SAN DIEGO – San Diego State's Alama Uluave has been named to the 2022 Outland Trophy Watch List, while Caden McDonald and Patrick McMorris have been named to the 2022 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The two announcements came from the Football Writers Association of America on Tuesday morning.
Uluave is one of 18 centers on the initial list of 89 interior linemen, and is one of six players from the Mountain West on the list.
Uluave, who was named to the MW preseason all-conference team on Thursday, started all 22 games the past two seasons for the Aztecs at center. He was an honorable mention all-league pick in 2021 after allowing just six pressures (two hits, two hurries and two sacks) in 409 passing chances, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Additionally, Uluave played the most snaps on the team (953). Uluave has also been named a preseason all-MW first-team selection by both Phil Steele Magazine and Athlon Sports and was named to the preseason Rimington Trophy Watch List.
The Outland Trophy is given to the most outstanding lineman in the country at the close of the 2022 season.
McDonald and McMorris are two of 85 defensive players, and two of seven from the Mountain West on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy honors the most outstanding defensive player in college football each year.
McMorris, who earned MW preseason co-defensive player of the year on Thursday, started all 14 games for the Aztecs in 2022. The 2021 MW first-team selection had a team-high 90 tackles (53 solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss, a team-best four interceptions for 61 yards, nine pass breakups and a 15-yard fumble recovery in 2021. McMorris came in a tie for second in the Mountain West in interceptions in 2021 (4, T-14th in FBS), was third in the MW in interceptions per game (0.29, T-34th in FBS), and led the team with 37 tackles on passing plays in 2021. He came up with four tackles (two solo) and his first career interception in his third career start in a win over Arizona, and had five tackles (three solo), 0.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup in the win over Utah in 2021.
This is the second consecutive season that McDonald has been named to the preseason Bronko Nagurski Watch List. McDonald, who was also named to the MW preseason all-conference team on Thursday, has started 31 straight games and played in 48 consecutive games for the Aztecs dating back to the 2018 season. The two-time first-team all-MW honoree recorded 49 tackles (21 solo), including three sacks for 22 yards and 6.5 tackles for loss of 28 yards, seven quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a blocked PAT in 2021. He registered three solo tackles, including two tackles for loss (six yards) and a 4-yard sack, in 45 snaps in a 38-14 win at Arizona last season, and had four assisted tackles and a quarterback hurry in 79 snaps in a win over Utah in 2021.
SDSU finished with a school-record 12 victories last season, one of only 10 programs with at least 12 wins. Only four teams had more victories than San Diego State (12-2), including national champion Georgia, and CFP teams Alabama and Cincinnati. The Aztecs played five teams who reached double-digit victories in 2021, securing wins over Pac-12 Champion/Rose Bowl participant Utah (10-4), UTSA (12-2) and Air Force (10-3).
SDSU, which played all 14 of its games away from its own market, including eight "home games" two hours from campus at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, finished the 2021 season ranked 25th in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll. It was the third time in program history San Diego State made the final AP Top 25 poll (also 1977 (16th) and 2016 (25th)). The Aztecs were also ranked in every CFP poll in 2021.
SDSU opens Snapdragon Stadium against Arizona on Sept. 3, and also has home games against Idaho State (Sept. 10), Toledo (Sept. 24), Hawai'i (Oct. 8), UNLV (Nov. 5), San Jose State (Nov. 12) and Air Force (Nov. 26). The Aztec contest against UNLV will be SDSU's annual homecoming game.
San Diego State football season tickets are still on sale. Many options are available and a virtual 3D seat map of Snapdragon Stadium allows fans to take a tour of the seats before reserving season tickets. Members will have several benefits such as priority access to on-site parking and the flexibility to resell or donate any games they're unable to attend. For season-ticket information or to secure tickets, submit a Ticket Interest Form, call (619) 283-7378 or email seating@snapdragonstadium.com.
Aztec football single-game tickets for all seven 2022 Aztec home games for the inaugural season at Snapdragon Stadium will go on sale in August. As an exclusive member benefit, football season-ticket holders can purchase the single-game tickets on Aug. 8, while all remaining Aztec Club members can purchase on Aug. 12. Tickets for the general public will be available on Aug. 15.
Aztec football parking will soon be available on a season basis for as low as $175 (or $25 per game). Any remaining passes will be offered for single-game purchase beginning Aug. 8
Student tickets will once again be free and can be claimed on a first-come, first-serve basis the week of each home game. More information for student tickets can be found at GoAztecs.com/StudentTickets.
Three Aztecs Named to Preseason Watch Lists
