PHILADELPHIA – Northwestern running back Justin Jackson has been named to the watch list for the 79th annual Maxwell Award, given annually to the nation's top college player since 1937.
Jackson, who begins his sophomore season this fall, turned in a memorable performance during his inaugural year in Evanston. The Carol Stream, Ill., native earned All-Big Ten honorable mention following the 2014 campaign.
The 5-foot-11 running back rushed for 1,187 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman, recording the 16th 1,000-yard rushing season in program history, and just the second by a freshman. His 98.9 yards per game on the ground marked the fourth-best average among Power-5 conference freshmen during the fall. Jackson recorded six 100-yard performances, all of which came against Big Ten foes, and a ranked Notre Dame squad.
Jackson is one of 12 Big Ten players to be unveiled on the Maxwell Award watch list Tuesday, and one of only three running backs from the conference, along side Wisconsin's Corey Clement and Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott.
The Maxwell Award, named in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell, has been given to America's College Player of the Year since 1937. Maxwell's contributions to the game of football were extensive, including time as a player, a sportswriter and an official.
The semifinalists for the honor will be announced by the Maxwell Club on November 2, and the three finalists will be known three weeks later on November 23. The winner will be revealed at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 10.
Season tickets to enjoy Northwestern's seven-game slate at Ryan Field are on sale now. In addition to Stanford (Sept. 5) and Eastern Illinois (Sept. 12), the Wildcats will host Ball State (Sept. 26) in a nonconference contest before welcoming Minnesota (Oct. 3), Iowa (Oct. 17), Penn State (Nov. 7) and Purdue (Nov. 14) in Big Ten action. Purchase season tickets today by calling the Northwestern Athletics ticket office at 888-GO-PURPLE (888-467-8775) or visiting NUsports.com.
