Holstein, Reid named to Maxwell Award preseason watchlist
A couple of Pitt Panthers are in the running for one of the most prestigious honors in all of college football.
Eli Holstein and Desmond Reid have been named to the Maxwell Award watchlist by the Maxwell Football Club, the organization announced Monday. 80 student-athletes have been named to the list, and the Panthers are one of just 17 schools with multiple nods.
The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the best all-around player in college football. Pitt has had two players win the Maxwell Award, Tony Dorsett (1976) and Hugh Green (1980).
Holstein completed 180-of-291 pass attempts for 2,228 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions, adding 328 yards and three more touchdowns on the ground. He was one of the best freshmen quarterbacks in college football.
While late-season injuries and some inconsistent play have led to some doubts, the ceiling is sky high for Holstein in Year 2 of his time in offensive coordinator Kade Bell’s offense.
Reid racked up 184 carries for 966 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and five touchdowns, adding 52 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns and a 78-yard punt return touchdown – earning All-American honors.
Reid was the engine that fueled the Pitt offensive attack last season, and he did it while fighting through injuries throughout the season.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 11, and finalists will be announced on Nov. 25.
