Following the announcement on Wednesday that junior kicker Bert Auburn was named to the Lou Groza Award watch list and senior punter Ryan Sanborn was added to the Ray Guy Award watch list, two additional Longhorns were recognized to other preseason watch lists on Thursday.
Super senior offensive lineman Christian Jones was named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list and junior wide receiver Xavier Worthy was added to the preseason watch list for the Paul Hornung Award.
The Wuerffel Trophy Award recognizes college football student-athletes who strive to be an example of a community service leader along with having achievements in both academics and athletics.
Although he is recognized most by Texas Longhorns fans based on his jersey number and how he performs on a football field, there is more depth to Jones.
He is actively involved in community service outside of being a student-athlete. Jones has spoken at Kid’s Day at the George Washington Carver Museum, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity building projects, aided in cleanup services following Hurricane Harvey and has made several visits to Dell Children’s Medical Center.
On the field, however, Jones is an All-Big 12 honors award winner after the conclusion of the 2022 season. He is a sixth-year offensive lineman who aided former Texas star running back Bijan Robinson and quarterback Quinn Ewers in their successes on the field.
Semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy Award will be announced on Nov. 2.
The Paul Hornung Award honors college football's most versatile student athletes.
Worthy is entering his third year as a receiver for the Longhorns. In every game he has made an appearance (25), he has been named a starter. Worthy has recorded 122 career receptions for 1,741 yards and 21 touchdowns. The Fresno, Calif. native ranks third in Texas football program history for career touchdowns.
Worthy is no stranger to the Paul Hornung Award as he was named to the award's honor roll after Texas’ victory over West Virginia. During the matchup, in he caught seven passes for 119 yards, scored two touchdowns and threw a 33-yard touchdown pass.
Alongside his other recognitions, Worthy has been named a preseason All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Phil Steele and Athlon Sports. Some may even believe that Worthy is a 2023 Heisman contender.
The winner of the Paul Hornung Award, along with his family will, be recognized at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner in Louisville, Ky., in March 2024.
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