Penn State football stars Jaquan Brisker and Jahan Dotson earned some preseason recognition Monday.

The standout wide receiver earned a spot on the 85th annual Maxwell Award watch list, while Brisker found himself on the 27th annual Bednarik Award watch list.

Each year the Maxwell Football Club announces its watch lists for the Maxwell Award, presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football, and the Chuck Bednarik Award, presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player.

Despite the ugly 4-5 2020 season, both Dotson and Brisker showed out. Last year alone, Dotson had four career touchdown catches worth more than 60 yards. With a highly anticipated senior season ahead of him, he already ranks 13th all-time at Penn State in career receiving touchdowns and 17th in receiving yards.

Last year alone, Brisker finished 12th in the Big Ten with 33 solo tackles and was 15th in the conference in total tackles. The safety has already earned plenty of recognition for his 2020 season, including first-team All-American honors from Pro Football Focus and an honorable mention All-American from Phil Steele and the media.

The pair of stars are expected to be key pieces for the Nittany Lions entering the 2021 campaign. Penn State will open the season against Wisconsin at noon on September 4 at Camp Randall Stadium.