Northwestern sophomore running back Justin Jackson was named to the Maxwell Award watch list, given to the nation’s top collegiate player. Jackson is one of 12 Big Ten players named to Maxwell Award watch list, and one of three Big Ten running backs, along with Wisconsin’s Corey Clement and Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott.

RB @J_ManPrime21 has been named to #TheMaxwellAward (Player of the Year) watch list. http://t.co/LPhbxxqj58 #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/gk0oCBvgzl

— #B1GCats Football (@NUFBFamily) July 7, 2015

Last season Jackson had a spectacular freshman season, rushing for 1,187 yards and 10 touchdowns, the 16th 1,000-yard rushing season in program history and only the second by a freshman. Jackson averaged 4.8 yards per carry and had six 100-yard performances last year.

The Maxwell Award is named in honor of Robert W. “Tiny” Maxwell. The award is given to America’s College Player of the Year and has been awarded since 1937. Should Jackson win the award he would be the first Wildcat to ever win the honor. Venric Mark was the last Wildcat named to the watch list in 2014.