Onterio McCalebb Named to Maxwell Award Watch List

Auburn senior running back Onterio McCalebb has been named to the watch list for the 2012 Maxwell Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday. The preseason watch list includes players who have distinguished themselves by noteworthy play during the 2011 season.

McCalebb has rushed for more than 2,000 yards in his career including 641 yards last year while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.

The Maxwell Award has been presented to the top outstanding collegiate football player in America since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell. The last Auburn player to win the award was Cam Newton in 2010.

Semifinalists for the Maxwell will be announced October 29, and the three finalists will be named November 19. The winner of the 2012 Maxwell will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show held on December 6.

McCalebb was Second Team All-SEC and the offensive MVP of the Chik-fil-a Bowl last season. He scored seven touchdowns in 2011 and is ninth on Auburn's All Time All-Purpose Yards list with 3,341.

After deciding to not enter the 2012 NFL Draft, Onterio said this spring, "I'm looking forward to coming back for my senior season to make myself a better player and to help my teammates win football games for Auburn and the Auburn family."

Well the Auburn family is looking forward to Onterio helping Auburn win games this season, and maybe just maybe ...

Winning the Maxwell too.