USC’s Kedon Slovis Named To Maxwell Watch List; Drake Jackson On Bednarik Watch List

LOS ANGELES — USC quarterback Kedon Slovis has been named to the 2021 Watch List for the Maxwell Award, presented to the outstanding player in college football, while outside linebacker Drake Jackson is on the Watch List for the Bednarik Award, given to college football's outstanding defensive player, it was announced today (July 19) by the Maxwell Football Club.

The winners of the 2021 Maxwell and Bednarik Awards will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Dec. 9.

Both Slovis and Jackson are juniors who have started the past 2 years.

Slovis was the All-Pac-12 first team signalcaller last fall when he topped the nation in completions (29.5) and was in the Top 20 in passing yards (320.2), total offense (310.7) and completion percentage (.670). In 2020, he calmly led the Trojans to a trio of comeback victories in the games' final 2 minutes and he twice threw 5 TDs in a game. In his career, he has hit 70%--above the school record--of his 656 passes for 5,423 yards with 47 TDs and 16 interceptions to rank ninth on USC's all-time completions list and 10th in total offense.

Jackson is one of the nation's most dominant pass rushers. He had 20 tackles last season, including 5.5 for losses (with a sack), and an interception. In his career, he had made 17 tackles for loss (with 7.5 sacks).