Rhodes Named to 2005 Maxwell Award Watch List

Senior running back Damien Rhodes is a 2005 pre-season Maxwell Award candidate. The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the Collegiate Player of the Year.

A 2004 second-team All-BIG EAST selection, Rhodes led the Orange with 153 carries, 870 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Rhodes and 2004 senior Walter Reyes became the first SU duo to each run for more than 800 yards since Joe Morris and Bill Hurley accomplished the feat in 1979.

In addition to his rushing responsibilities, Rhodes has also had kick-returning duties. Last season, he gained a team-best 1,337 all-purpose yards. His 7.3 yards per all-purpose play tied him for 10^th on the SU single-season list. Rhodes currently ranks seventh on the Orange’s all-time all-purpose yards per game list (100.2) and eighth on the SU career all-purpose yards per play list (6.9). His 810 career kick return yards are the ninth-highest total by an SU player.

Rhodes is one of 50 student-athletes on the Maxwell Award Watch List. The BIG EAST Conference has four representatives on the list. Joining Rhodes are quarterback Brian Brohm and running back Michael Bush from Louisville and quarterback Tyler Palko from Pittsburgh.

Ten semi-finalists will be announced for the award in October and the field will be trimmed to three finalists in November. The winner of the Maxwell Award will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show that will be broadcast by ESPN in December.

Rhodes and the Orange open the 2005 season on Sunday, September 4 against West Virginia. The game kicks off at 1:30 and will be televised nationally on ABC. Season tickets are available online (click here) or at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX).

Syracuse University Athletics

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