AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn cornerback and kick-return specialist Noah Igbinoghene was one of 44 players selected by the Louisville Sports Commission to this year's preseason watch list for the Paul Hornung Award. The field was announced Thursday.
The award, now in its 10th season, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission and football legend Paul Hornung.
"This award, which was created in my name, has earned a special place in college football," said Hornung, the 1956 Heisman Trophy winner who played every position in the offensive backfield during his Notre Dame career and was a triple threat halfback and placekicker for the Green Bay Packers. "I'm pleased that we are able to acknowledge outstanding players who contribute any way possible to help their teams win, the same way I did."
Igbinoghene, one of five SEC players on the list, started eight games at cornerback last season and finished fifth on the team with 50 tackles. He also broke up a team-best 11 passes, pulled down an interception and forced a fumble.
As a kick returner, Igbinoghene averaged 28.27 yards per return last season. His 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Arkansas was the first of his career and the first for Auburn since Corey Grant in 2013. It was the longest Auburn kickoff return since Tre Mason in 2013 (100 yards). The sophomore was named the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week that week.
"(Igbinoghene) has been a dynamic kick returner the last two years," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said. "We feel like he's going to be a really good weapon."
Former Auburn players Kerryon Johnson (2017) and Rudy Ford (2016) also made the preseason watch list for the Paul Hornung Award. Both are now playing in the NFL.