Four Stanford football players have made preseason watch lists since last Thursday, making up 10 spots as favorites for several prestigious defensive awards.

All four athletes made multiple lists, with junior linebacker Shayne Skov and senior strong safety Delano Howell each earning three nominations. Skov and Howell were on the watch lists for the Bednarik Award and Nagurski Trophy, which each honor the best defensive player in college football. Howell was Stanford’s lone nominee for the Thorpe Award, given each year to the nation’s best defensive back, while Skov was one of three Cardinal athletes expected to contend for the Lombardi Award, recognizing the best offensive lineman.

Joining him on the list were seniors Jonathan Martin and David DeCastro. The pair was also nominated for the Outland Trophy, given to the best interior lineman in the country.

Skov will likely make headlines again this week, with the Butkus Award for top linebacker releasing its list today.

-Joseph Beyda