USC center Alan Knott named to Rimington Trophy watch list

South Carolina center Alan Knott has been named to the watch list for the Rimington Trophy. The list includes the top centers in Division I football, and Knott’s one of eight SEC players on the list of 62.

A 6-foot-4 junior, Knott has 17 career starts, including nine in 2015. As a sophomore, he was recognized by the coaching staff as the Most Improved Offensive Lineman and also captured Joe Morrison Offensive Player of the Spring accolades.

The Gamecocks return most of a line that struggled in 2015, especially in the running game.

Vandy names QB starter

Vanderbilt will begin the 2016 season with Kyle Shurmur as its starting quarterback.

The Commodores will host South Carolina in the season opener on Sept. 1.

“I want to just say this: We have a clear-cut one and a clear-cut two,” coach Derek Mason told Vanderbilt media on Tuesday. “Kyle Shurmur is my clear-cut starter.”

Shurmur started five of the last six games in 2015 as a true freshman. He threw for 209 yards and three touchdowns in a season-ending loss to Tennessee. On the season, he had 503 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Junior Wade Freebeck is the backup. He was third stringer in 2015 after starting four games as a true freshman in 2014.

This story was originally published July 6, 2016 at 11:38 AM with the headline "USC center Alan Knott named to Rimington Trophy watch list."