Texas Tech RB Eric Stephens Named to 2011 Paul Hornung Award Watch List

Texas Tech junior running back Eric Stephens was one of four Big 12 student-athletes named to the 2011 Paul Hornung Award Watch list, which is given out annually to the most versatile player in college football.

Joining Stephens were Kansas’ Bradley McDougald, Oklahoma State’s Joseph Randle and Texas A&M’s Cyrus Gray. The junior Red Raider Stephens boasts six school records and finished 2010 ranked second in the Big 12 in app-purpose yards per game (150.1) and third in kickoff return average (24.3). Stephens was also named to the All-Big 12 Honorable Mention Team last season.

Overall on the watch list there are 20 seniors, 20 juniors and 10 sophomores representing 46 universities and all 11 conferences that are part of the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Stephens will be thrust into a more prominent role this season after sitting behind former Red Raider, and nor Pittsburgh Steeler, Baron Batch the past two season. In just two season, Stephens broke Texas Tech legend Donny Anderson’s longtime kickoff return yardage record as he has complied 1,894 yards on 68 returns.