Parker and McDaniel named to watch lists

Parker established Clemson freshman records for touchdown passes (20) and passing yards (2526) last season.

by CU Athletic Communications - Tue Aug 10 11:48:14 GMT-04:00 2010

Clemson, SC—Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker and safety DeAndre McDaniel were both named to preseason watch lists for national awards on Monday. Parker was named to the preseason Watch List for the Maxwell Award, while McDaniel was named to the watch list for the Bednarik Award.

The Maxwell Award has been presented to the outstanding collegiate football player in America since 1937 and is named in honor of sportswriter Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell. The Chuck Bednarik Award has been presented to the nation's top defensive player since 1995. Mr. Bednarik is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969 and the NFL Hall of Fame in 1967.

Parker quarterbacked Clemson to a 9-5 record last year, including a 6-2 record in the ACC, good enough for the Atlantic Division title. Clemson finished 24th in the final AP poll and gained a bowl victory over Kentucky. Parker established Clemson freshman records for touchdown passes (20), passing yards (2526), completions (205) and touchdown/interception ratio ( 20/12).

Parker also helped the Clemson baseball team to the College World Series last year by hitting 20 home runs and hitting .344. He scored 85 runs, fifth highest total in the nation. He became the first athlete in Division I sports history to hit 20 home runs and throw 20 touchdown passes in the same academic year. His touchdown pass total ranked fourth best in Clemson history for a season and his home run total ranked ninth best in school history.

McDaniel finished third in the nation in interceptions last year with eight, a total that tied a Clemson record. He also had 102 tackles and was the only player in the nation in eight interceptions and at least 100 tackles last year. He helped the Clemson defense rank fifth in the nation in interceptions last year with 21.

Parker was one of 10 ACC players on the Maxwell Award Watch list and McDaniel was one of 11 ACC players on the preseason Bednarik Award Watch Li