PROVO -- The Football Writers Association of America has announced senior offensive linemen Ray Feinga and Dallas Reynolds have been named to the 2008 Outland Trophy Watch List. Feinga and Reynolds are two of 70 linemen from around the country who have been named to the watch list.
Feinga and Reynolds helped anchor the offensive line last season, providing pass protection for the nation's 25th ranked offense. BYU ranked 14th nationally in passing offense, averaging 298.4 yards per game and led the MWC in scoring, first downs, fourth-down conversions and time of possession on their way to a second consecutive league championship.
"Ray and Dallas bring a great deal of experience and athleticism to our offensive line," position coach Mark Weber said. "These two could possibly be the best guard-tackle combination in college football this season."
Feinga, a 6-foot-5, 331-pound native of West Valley City, Utah started 12 of 13 games last season. He recorded over 70 knock-down blocks and did not allow a single sack all season. He graded out at 82 percent or above in each of the 12 games he played last season and earned a grade of 90 percent or better three different times.
"Ray is extremely talented," Weber said. "He has great strength and athletic ability."
Reynolds, a 6-foot-5, 332-pound native of Provo, Utah started all 13 games for the Cougars last season, recording over 50 knock-down blocks. Reynolds posted a season-high nine knockdowns in the Cougars' 35-10 win over Wyoming. The three-year letterwinner did not allow a single sack against Mountain West Conference opponents during the season and graded out with an 80 percent or better in each of the 13 games he played, including a season-high 94 percent in BYU's 31-6 win over Air Force. Since starting as a true freshman, Reynolds has started in 38 straight games.
"Along with his experience, Dallas is a great athlete and a great leader," Weber said. "He is also extremely durable and brings a tremendous amount of stability to the offensive line."
The Outland Trophy is presented annually to the best lineman in college football. With input from the entire FWAA membership, the winner is selected by the FWAA's All-America committee, which is also responsible for selecting the association's 25-man All-America team. The Outland Trophy is named after the late John Outland, a lineman at Pennsylvania at the turn of the century.
BYU boasts two previous Outland Trophy winners, including defensive lineman Jason Buck (1986) and offensive lineman Mohammed Elewonibi (1989).
The 2008 Outland Trophy announcement will be on December 11 in Orlando, Fla., during the ESPNU Home Depot College Football Awards Show. The Outland Trophy presentation banquet, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee, will be on January 15, 2009 in Omaha, Neb.