RUSTON – Louisiana Tech offensive lineman Kody Russey was recognized on the preseason watch list for the 2020 Outland Trophy, announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America.
 
Russey was one of 85 standout interior linemen and one of five from Conference USA representing all 10 Division I FBS conferences and independents.
 
The redshirt senior and two-time All-Conference USA Honorable Mention honoree will anchor the Bulldogs offensive line at center in 2020. 
 
The Burleson, Texas native has made 35 career starts, including 12 last season while helping lead an offensive front that produced a 1,000-yard rusher in Justin Henderson and protected C-USA Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback J'Mar Smith. 
 
The 2020 Outland Trophy watch list includes 32 offensive tackles, 21 offensive guards, 17 defensive tackles and 15 centers.
 
The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team.  The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists.  Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.
 
The Outland Trophy, now in its 75th year, is the third-oldest major college football award.  Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since.
 
For all the latest in Bulldog Football, follow them on Twitter (@LATechFB), Instagram (@LATechFB) and Facebook (LATechFootball) or visit the official website at LATechSports.com.