Penn State RB Silas Redd, LB Gerald Hodges On Preseason Award Lists

Every summer, college football fans across the country start to gear up for another season watching their favorite team and even sometimes their alma mater.

The 2012 campaign won't be any different, and to help the year get off on the right foot, preseason award lists are being released starting with the Maxwell and Bednarik Awards, which were dispensed Monday morning.

For those unfamiliar, the Bednarik goes to the best defensive player in the country while the Maxwell is received by the overall best player.

The Penn State Nittany Lions were honored by having one player make each of the prestigious lists. Running back Silas Redd is on the Maxwell watch while linebacker Gerald Hodges made the Bednarik list.

Penn State will be looking for something and someone to latch onto this year in the wake of so much tragedy and scandal, and perhaps these two players can help everyone to heal even just for a few hours on Saturday afternoons.

For more on Penn State, please be sure to check out our blog Black Shoe Diaries and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.