Barner & Thomas On Hornung Watch List

Two Oregon Ducks are on the Paul Hornung Award Watch list for the nation's most versatile player. According to a media release from the Louisville Sports Commission, senior Kenjon Barner and sophomore De'Anthony Thomas have been added to the post-season honors award list.

(PHOTO) Oregon Ducks running back Kenjon Barner (24) runs for a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half during the 2012 Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Barner, rushed for 939 yards in the 2012 season and ranks fourth in career kickoff return yardage (1,371) and ninth in all-purpose yards (3,825) at the University of Oregon. He is the only player in Oregon history with plays of 60-plus yards rushing (84), receiving (60), and as both a punt returner (80) and kickoff returner (100). Barner is also on the watch lists for Maxwell Award (college player of the year) and Doak Walker Award (nation's top running back).

2011 was a sensational season for Thomas, as he was named a freshman All-American, and was the only player in college football last season to amass at least 500 yards rushing, receiving and returning. He finished with 2,235 all-purpose yards - second all-time in a single season at Oregon - and a school freshman record 18 touchdowns. Like Barner, Thomas has been named to watch list for the Maxwell Trophy in addition to being named to Walter Camp Award watch list.

Of the 49 players on the watch list, ten are from the Pac-12 Conference. The Ducks are one of only four teams with multiple players on the list.

Oregon, the preseason No. 5 team according to the USA Today coaches' poll, open its 2012 season at home Sept. 1 vs. 2011 Sun Belt Conference champion Arkansas State. Kickoff on ESPN is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.