White, Lotulelei named to Maxwell and Bednar..

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Two Utes were named to major preseason watch lists Monday. Running back John White was one of 65 nominees for the Maxwell Award, presented to the nation's top offensive player, while defensive tackle Star Lotulelei was among 65 named to the Bednark Award watch list. The Bednarik Award honors the nation's top defensive player at the end of the season.

Lotulelei, an early favorite to be the top pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, was a preseason first-team All-American by Phil Steele and Blue Ribbon All-American Yearbook. Last year, in the Utes' first Pac-12 season, Lotulelei won the Morris Trophy as the conference's best defensive lineman.

White finished second in the Pac-12 in rushing last year with 116.8 yards per game. He was also third in the nation in carries, with 316.

— Bill Oram

White, Lotulelei named to Maxwell and Bednarik watch lists