Auburn's Newton, Fairley Added To Midseason Watch Lists

Junior quarterback Cam Newton and junior defensive tackle Nick Fairley have been added to midseason watch lists for two prestigious college football awards, the Maxwell Football Club announced Wednesday. Newton has been added to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which is presented to the most outstanding collegiate football player in America. Fairley is now on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which goes to the nation's top defensive player. Fairley joins senior linebacker Josh Bynes on that watch list, as Bynes was a preseason selection for the list. Newton currently leads the SEC in rushing (112.0 ypg) and ranks 17th nationally, and has had three games with at least 170 yards rushing this season. Newton also leads the SEC and ranks second nationally in passing efficiency (180.73), ranks second in the NCAA in points responsible for (21.0) and is second in the SEC and 12th nationally in total offense (301.7). He has twice been named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, after performances against Arkansas State and South Carolina. Fairley leads the SEC and is tied for fifth nationally in tackles for loss (12.5) and is tied for second in the SEC and tied for 24th in the nation with 5.0 sacks. Fairley, who ranks fifth on the team with 25 total tackles, was the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance during Auburn's win at Mississippi State, and was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after his performance vs. ULM.