Diontae Johnson Named to Paul Hornung Award Watch List

Toledo, Ohio— University of Toledo wide receiver and returner Diontae Johnson (Ruskin, Fla.) was named to the official watch list for the 2018 Paul Hornung Award on Thursday, as announced by the Louisville Sports Commission.

The Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse has been annually awarded to the most versatile player in major college football since its creation in 2010. The finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 8, with the winner being announced on Dec. 5. The winner will be honored at an official awards banquet in Louisville in March 2019.

Johnson, a junior, was also named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list, which is annually awarded to the nation's top wide receiver. Last season, he caught 74 passes for a school-record 1,278 yards and 13 TDs. He was a first-team All-MAC selection at both wide receiver and punt returner, as well as a second-team all-league pick at kickoff returner. Johnson was the first Rocket to be named all-league at three positions since Eric Page in 2011.

Paul Hornung is considered by many the most versatile player in the history of college and pro football. He won the 1956 Heisman Trophy at quarterback for Notre Dame and was the number one pick in the 1957 NFL draft. He played every position in the backfield during his career with the Irish, where he also punted, kicked, returned kicks, and played defensive back. While in the NFL, Hornung was a multi-threat offensive back and prolific kicker.

The Rockets open their season at home vs. VMI on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, go online or call 419-530-GOLD (4653).

Diontae Johnson Named to Paul Hornung Award Watch List

Players Mentioned

Diontae Johnson

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