Jonotthan Harrison was named to the pre-season Rimington Trophy watch list today. A redshirt senior, Harrison has appeared in 39 games including 27 starts.
The offensive line has been a revolving door due to injuries the past two seasons but Harrison has been a stalwart at center. Starting with the 2010 Outback Bowl Harrison has made 27 consecutive starts – two at left guard – on the line and has given the line a measure of consistency surrounded by inconsistency.
The Rimington Trophy was first awarded in 2000 after a former “San Francisco Examiner” sportswriter, Syd Russell, noticed there was an award for every position except for center. Russell brought this to the attention of former Cincinatti Benglas quarterback Boomer Esiason and the duo paved the way to bring the award to fruition. Esiason’s “Boomer Esiason Foundation”, a foundation that raises money and awareness for people afflicted with cystic fibrosis, sponsors the award and in 2000 the award became a reality.
Dominic Raiola of Nebraska was the first recipient of the award in 2000. In the 12-year history of the award there has only been one Florida Gator, Maurkice Pouncey in 2009, to win the award.
If Harrison were to win the award he would be the second Gator and fourth player from the SEC to be awarded the distinction of being named the best center in college football.