UTEP Football: Derron Gatewood named to Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List

Senior Derron Gatewood was named to Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List, the selection committee announced Wednesday.

The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I College Football.

Gatewood garnered All-Conference USA honorable mention recognition last season. The two-year starter, made 10 starts at center last season. As a junior, Gatewood started in all 12 games playing both center and right guard. He played on an offensive line that paved the way for Aaron Jones to rush for a single-season program-record 1,773 yards. As a freshman, Gatewood played in five contests at the center and right guard position.

This preseason, centers were nominated from every conference, with 57 total nominees and 27 past nominees. The selection committee comprised its list by accepting nominations from programs across the country that submitted their current starting centers for consideration.

The Rimington Trophy committee uses the following all-american teams to determine its winner: the Walter Camp Foundation (WCF), the Sporting News (SN) and the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

The center with the most first team votes will be determined the winner. If there is a tie with first team votes, then the center with the most second team votes will win. If there is still a tie, the winner will be determined by a majority vote from the Rimington Trophy committee. The winner will be recognized at the Rimington Trophy Presentation at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, January 12, 2019.