The Louisville Sports Commission has named BYU running back Lopini Katoa to the preseason watch list for the 2020 Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse. The award honors the most versatile player in college football.
Katoa, a junior, is also a Doak Walker Award nominee and has been one of the Cougars' most productive offensive players for the past two seasons. In 2019, Katoa led BYU in all-purpose yards with 853 yards, including 358 rushing yards, 288 receiving yards and 207 kick return yards. In 2018 as a redshirt freshman, the American Fork product led the Cougars in rushing with 423 yards and scored nine total touchdowns.
The Paul Hornung Award, now in its 11th season, is given by the Louisville Sports Commission and named after football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. Hornung earned NFL MVP honors for the Packers in 1961 by setting a single-season NFL scoring record that stood 46 years. He is a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, and Vince Lombardi once called him, “The most versatile man ever to play the game.”
2020 BYU Watch List Honors
Doak Walker Award (RB) – Lopini Katoa
Mackey Award (TE) – Matt Bushman
Outland Trophy (Interior Lineman) – James Empey, Khyiris Tonga
Nagurski Trophy (Defensive player) – Khyiris Tonga