Vols Mahelona, Allen on Nagurski watch list

At least, that's what the Football Writers Association of America panelists who select the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner believe.

Mahelona and Allen are among the 50 collegiate players who have been selected to the Nagurski trophy preseason "watch list.''

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy has been awarded to the best defensive player in college football as part of the FWAA's awards since 1993.

The trophy is sponsored by the Charlotte Touchdown Club, which has hosted the annual banquet since 1995. This year's award will be given out Dec. 5 in Charlotte.

Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson won the award last year.

The FWAA will select a Bronko Nagurski national defender of the week beginning with games played Sept. 3.

Other SEC players nominated to the 50-man preseason watch list include Kentucky defensive back Muhammad Abdullah, LSU defensive back LaRon Landry, Georgia defensive end Quentin Moses, Alabama linebacker DeMeco Ryans, South Carolina defensive back Ko Simpson, Alabama defensive back Roman Harper, Auburn linebacker Travis Williams and LSU defensive tackle Kyle Williams.

Trial Moved: The preliminary hearing for the felony aggravated assault case involving UT linebacker Jerod Mayo and defensive end Robert Ayers was reset Monday for July 11.

Judge Bobby McGee is scheduled to hear the case in Knox County General Sessions Court.

Ayers and Mayo were arraigned on April 19 for their alleged role in a March 4 incident at the University Center. The pair is accused of striking UT student Shadiyah Murphy after fights broke out at a fraternity party.