Five Trojans named semifinalists for collegiate football awards

With the college football season winding down, the time to start sorting through statistics and performances to decide post-season awards has begun.

It comes as no surprise that a number of Trojans have been tabbed as semifinalists.

Two-time All-American safety, Taylor Mays, was nominated for three post-season awards, including the Bednarik Award (presented to the top defensive collegiate football player), the Thorpe Award (presented to the top defensive back in college football) and the Lott Trophy (given to defensive IMPACT player of the year).

Mays is definitely deserving of the nominations and may very well earn a couple of these honors if he continues his stellar play through the last few games of his senior season.

Mays leads the Trojans in tackles with 62 despite missing one game due to injury and has also added one interception on the year.

Other Trojans earning a semifinalist nod include:

• Offensive lineman Jeff Byers, nominated for the Campbell Trophy (given to the player with the best combination of academics, community service and football performance).
• Linebacker Chris Galippo, nominated for the Butkus Award (presented to the top collegiate linebacker).
• Kicker Jordan Congdon, nominated for the Groza Award (presented to the top college football place kicker).
• Quarterback Matt Barkley, nominated for O'Brien Award (given to the nation's top collegiate quarterback).