Burden III, Williams named to college football award watch lists

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

In the midst of Mizzou football's first week of fall camp, two more members of this year's team earned some national recognition on Thursday. Luther Burden III and Kristian Williams were both selected for another preseason award watch list.

Mizzou's top wide receiver was named to the Paul Hornung Award watch list, which honors versatile, high-level major college football players.

Burden III is entering his junior season with the Tigers, following a 2023 campaign where he posted 86 catches for 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He led the team's receiving core in nearly every major statistical category last season and finished the year in the top three in the SEC in receptions, reception yards and receiving touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Williams was named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list. This annual award is given to a college football player who best serves his community while also achieving academic and athletic success on the gridiron.

The defensive tackle is poised to be a leader of the team's new-look defense this season. Williams is entering his senior year after playing the last two seasons with the Tigers. Over 26 career games in a Mizzou uniform, he has recorded 52 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one sack and two forced fumbles.

Mizzou Football had a day off from practice on Thursday but return to action on Friday. There are still 14 scheduled practices left for MU's 2024 fall camp.