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PHILADELPHIA - Danny O'Brien has been named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's best college football player, and Kenny Tate has been placed to the watch list for the watch list for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation's best defensive player.

O'Brien garnered freshman All-America honors from the FWAA and was tabbed Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year in 2010. The sophomore quarterback saw action in all 13 games, posting a 7-3 mark as a starter. He ranked fourth in the league in passing efficiency (134.5 rating) fifth nationally among FBS freshmen.

Tate was a 2010 first team all-conference selection after leading the Terps in solo tackles (58) and forced fumbles (a league-high four). The senior, who will make the shift from defensive back to linebacker for his senior campaign, ranked seventh in the ACC in tackles in 2010 (7.7 per game), which was second among defensive backs.

O'Brien and Tate are also consensus preseason first team All-ACC choices.

Semifinalists for both awards will be announced on Oct. 31, and three finalists will be chosen Nov. 21. The winners will be announced Dec. 8.