DALLAS, Texas (June 12, 2007) – The Football Writers Association of America has released the preseason watch lists for two of its major awards, the Outland Trophy and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Rutgers is well represented on both lists. On the Outland Trophy Watch List, senior defensive tackle Eric Foster (Homestead, Fla.) along with senior offensive tackles Pedro Sosa (Union City, N.J.) and Jeremy Zuttah (Edison, N.J.) were selected while Foster and junior free safety Courtney Greene (New Rochelle, N.Y.) were tabbed to the Nagurski Trophy Watch List.

In all, 41 standouts have been selected for the watch list of the Outland Trophy, which is presented to the nation's best interior lineman. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the nation's top defensive player, has 49 players on its list.

Foster was a 2006 First Team All-America selection by the FWAA. In 2007, Foster has been named a Preseason All-America selection by Athlon’s, Sporting News and Lindy’s. The Sporting News and Blue Ribbon Magazine also selected Foster as the 2007 BIG EAST Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Sosa, a Second Team BIG EAST honoree in 2006, has been a mainstay at left tackle for the Scarlet Knights over his career. The New Jersey native was a Preseason Honorable Mention All-America selection by Street & Smith’s.

Zuttah, a First Team BIG EAST selection last season, returns as the starter at right tackle to an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks in 2006, the fewest amount in the nation. Zuttah was a 2007 Preseason All-America pick by Athlon’s and was voted as the No. 5 offensive tackle in the nation according to the Sporting News.

Greene was a Second Team BIG EAST pick a year ago and was named one of the top best safeties in the country by the Sporting News and Phil Steele. Phil Steele also named Greene to its 2007 Preseason All-America squad (Fourth Team).

Rutgers opens the season Thursday, August 30 vs. Buffalo at Rutgers Stadium.

Source: Rutgers Sports Communications Office