Likely Earns Spot on Paul Hornung Watch List
7/15/2016 10:00:00 AM | Football
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – For the second straight year, Maryland senior cornerback William Likely has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2016 Paul Hornung Award, the Louisville Sports Commission announced on Friday.
The Paul Hornung Award, which is presented by Texas Roadhouse, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. The award is now in its seventh season.
Likely showcased his versatility last season by being the only player in the nation to start on both offense and defense in the same game (Wisconsin). The Belle Glade, Florida native is the first defensive player in Maryland history to surpass 3,000 career all-purpose yards.
Regarded as one of the most dynamic and explosive returners in the country, Likely led the nation with 1,197 kick return yards in 2015. He was named to the Football Writers Association of America's All-America First Team and garnered Second Team All-America accolades from USA Today as a return specialist. He was also chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year.
As a junior, Likely led the Big Ten in punt return average (17.7 yards) and broke a 76-year-old Big Ten record with 233 punt return yards in the Terps' season-opening win against Richmond. He finished the year with three return touchdowns, including two punts and one kickoff. His kickoff return touchdown was a 100-yard run back at Iowa. It marked the second 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Likely's career.
Likely, who's been named First Team All-Big Ten as a defensive back each of the last two years, posted a strong junior campaign in 2015. He registered 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and led the team with 11 pass breakups. As a sophomore in 2014, Likely posted 83 tackles (66 solo), tied for the conference-lead in interceptions (6) and tied for the FBS lead by returning a pair of interceptions for touchdowns.
On the offensive side of the ball, Likely ran the ball 11 times and also totaled five catches in 2015. He led the team with 56 rushing yards on three carries against Wisconsin, including a 43-yard scamper.
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