Jon Holland, Connor McGovern Make Watch Lists

Two more Nittany Lions were named to award watch lists on Friday.

The first, Connor McGovern, comes as no surprise.

McGovern is on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which is given annually to the nation’s best center.

The Lake Lehman (Pa.) product started every game at center last season as a true sophomore. He rather seamlessly made the transition from guard to center and by the end of the season was one of the best center’s in the nation.

He begins his junior season as the anchor of what is expected to be the strongest offensive line unit for Penn State since Bill O’Brien’s first year at the helm.

The second recognition comes as a bit of a surprise.

Redshirt junior Jon Holland was named to the watch list for the Mackey Award for the nation’s best tight end. Mike Gesicki was a finalist for the award in 2017.

Holland played in 12 games last season but saw limited time as Gesicki flourished as one of the nation’s best pass catchers. He caught just three balls for 16 yards, but with Gesicki gone and Trace McSorley still slinging the rock, expect Holland to get plenty of opportunities to succeed.