Tag: Danny Wuerffel

Toney, Lang placed on watch lists for Hornung Award, Wuerffel Trophy

Kadarius Toney was nominated for the Paul Hornung Award while tight end Dante Lang was named to the watch list for the Wuerffel Award.

An accolade-filled offseason continues for the Gators, as two more players were named to award watch lists on Thursday. Senior athlete Kadarius Toney was nominated for the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation’s most versatile player, while redshirt sophomore tight end Dante Lang was named to the watch list for the Wuerffel Award, a service award named after former UF star and 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel.

Toney, a bit of a gadget player who sees time at receiver, running back and wildcat quarterback, is coming off a bit of a disappointing 2019 season in which he missed six games due to nagging injuries. He was limited to just 59 rushing yards on 12 carries and 10 catches for 194 yards. Toney saw sparse action as a returner on special teams, but he totaled just 33 yards on returns last season.

Still, Toney is one of the most electric players in the country with the ball in his hands, and if coach Dan Mullen and Florida’s offense can find a way to get him more involved, he’ll have a good shot at the Hornung Award, which is set to be announced at the Paul Hornung Award dinner in Louisville, Kent., next March.

Lang, on the other hand, is being honored for his off-the-field contributions. He logged 43 service hours during the 2019-20 school year volunteering at local elementary schools, for which he was given the 2020 Male Goodwill Athlete of the Year for his positive impact on the community.

Semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy will be announced on Nov. 3 with finalist announcements coming on Nov. 20. The winner will be announced by the National Football Foundation in New York City on Dec. 8 with the trophy set to be presented Wuerffel’s hometown of Fort Walton Beach on Feb. 19, 2021.

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Caleb Kelly named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list

Senior LB Caleb Kelly was named to the Danny Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch list on Thursday. 

Senior LB Caleb Kelly was named to the Danny Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch list on Thursday.

The award, named after the star Florida QB, annually honors the player “who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.”

Kelly returned to his hometown of Fresno, CA last month to participate in a peaceful protest for racial justice. After coming across photos of a protest in downtown Fresno, Kelly was determined to take a personal stake in the movement.

“I didn’t hear about that one and I was like, ‘I’ll make sure I’ll come out to this one,’” he told the Fresno Bee. “It’s important and powerful, for sure.”

Kelly, rated a five-star LB by 247Sports out of high school, has fought through a gauntlet of injuries during his time in Norman.

After playing much of the 2017 season with a torn shoulder labrum, he was forced to undergo lower body surgery prior to the Sooners’ 2019 campaign.

He played in only four games last year, totaling seven tackles.

Kelly at full-strength would be a valuable addition to any defense, but especially one that is rapidly changing its identity. Since Alex Grinch took over as defensive coordinator, OU’s defense has undergone a complete makeover.

It’s apparent that veterans like Kelly play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition. But Kelly can also benefit from Grinch’s new system and make his final season in Norman his best yet.

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