Illinois junior center Doug Kramer was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list, the award committee announced Friday. It is the first career watch list for Kramer.

The Rimington Trophy

The Rimington Trophy is awarded annually to the nation's best center. While researching for a series of articles on college football awards in 2000, retired San Francisco Examiner sportswriter Syd Russell interviewed former Nebraska center Dave Rimington about being the only two-time winner of the Outland Trophy. During the discussion, Russell noted that there was a college football award for every position except center – and it was then that the idea for the Rimington Trophy was born.

» Full Watch List
» Last three winners: Garrett Bradbury (NC State), Billy Price (Ohio State), Pat Elflein (Ohio State)

Doug Kramer | Rimington Trophy Watch List

• 20 career starts at center, including all 12 last season
• Academic All-Big Ten

Illini on Watch Lists (as of July 19)

» Reggie Corbin – Maxwell Award (POY), Doak Walker Award (RB)
» Doug Kramer – Rimington Trophy (C)
» Bobby Walker – AFCA Good Works Nominee (community service)