RENO, Nev. – Nevada junior running back
Toa Taua has been placed on the preseason watch list for the Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse, while senior linebacker
Lawson Hall was named to the watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy.
The Paul Hornung Award is presented annually to the nation's most versatile player and is Taua's second preseason watch list as he was selected to the Doak Walker Award watch list last week. The Wuerffel Trophy honors college football players who serve others, celebrates their positive impact on society, and inspires greater service in the world.
Taua, who earned an All-MW honorable mention last season, led Nevada with 807 yards on the ground in 2019. On 196 attempts, he scored six touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per rush. Putting together 62.1 yards per game, Taua went over the century mark twice last season with a huge game against San Jose State where he totaled 160. He also put up 135 at Fresno State, where he scored the game-winning touchdown with 12 seconds left in regulation.
In addition to his rushing numbers, Taua has made 52 receptions in his career totaling 387 yards. He has one touchdown reception in his 26 games played with a long reception of 41 yards and an average of 7.4 yards per catch. Taua, who is also expected to serve as one of the Pack's kick returners this season, has returned seven kicks in his career, including five last year.
Over the last few years, Hall has been very active with community service. He has served as a mentor for young athletes in Los Angeles, providing them with knowledge, resources and advice on how to become a better student-athlete. He has also worked with kids in Reno, spending time at the Boys & Girls Club and local grade schools to read and interact with them, and to provide them with a positive figure to look up to. Hall has helped package meals for families in need in both Los Angeles and in Boise, Idaho prior to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl early in 2020. Additionally, Hall has been an active part of the Black Lives Matter movement, helping to organize a team unity video on the subject in June, which led to him being invited to join a conference call with U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. On the call, Hall discussed racial injustice and provided recommendations to Senator Cortez Masto on what the federal government can do to implement systematic change.
On the field, Hall posted his best season to date with the Wolf Pack in 2019 as he finished the year tied for second on the defense with 58 total tackles, setting a single season career high. He totaled 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks on the year and added two interceptions. His two picks were tied for second-most on the team.
The formal announcement of the 2020 recipient will be made at the National Football Foundation's festivities in New York City on Dec. 8. The presentation of the 2020 Wuerffel Trophy will occur at the 52nd All Sports Association Awards Banquet on Feb. 19, 2021 in Fort Walton Beach.
