The list of preseason Watch Lists continues this week. Thursday, the Football Writers Association of America announced the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski preseason lists.
Pitt defensive lineman Aaron Donald was one of four Big East players named to the Outland Trophy List; one of 71 players nationally. Donald was named a FoxSportsNext.com second-team All-American as a sophomore, after racking up 47 tackles, including 16 for losses. Donald also finished with 11 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. Earlier this week, Donald was named to the Maxwell Award Watch list.
Pitt has had one Outland Trophy winner in its history; Mark May in 1980.
Holley is one of four Big East players named to the Nagurski Watch list--the award given annually to the nation's top defensive player. Aside from the three other players in his conference, Holley is one of 84 players nationally to be on this year's Watch List..
Though his interception total dropped significantly last year--5 in 2010 to just 1 last year, Holley is Pitt's active leader in that category with 9. He did set a career-high with 67 tackles. He's also Pitt's most experienced defender with 39 career starts.