DALLAS (July 21, 2020) – The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) has announced the preseason watch list for the 2020 Outland Trophy, with FIU’s D’Antne Demery earning a spot on the list.
In addition to Tuesday’s news, Demery has also earned a pair of preseason first team all-conference honors from Athlon and Phil Steele this summer.
Demery, a 6-5, 320-pound senior offensive lineman from Brunswick, Georgia, played in all 13 games last season while starting 12 times at left tackle. Demery earned All-Conference USA Honorable Mention in 2019 after aiding an offensive line that allowed just 14 sacks on the year, which tied for the fifth-lowest in the nation and led the league.
This is the 75th anniversary season for the Outland Trophy, with Tuesday’s announcement recognizing 85 standout interior linemen representing all 10 Division I FBS conferences and independents. Demery joins Florida State’s Marvin Wilson and UCF’s Cole Schneider as the only three players from a Florida university to make the list.
The recipient of the 75th Outland Trophy will be announced in early December. The official presentation to the winner will be made in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee, scheduled for Jan. 13, 2021.
FIU enters its fourth season of the Butch Davis era in 2020, as the Panthers seek to continue their bowl streak and head to their fourth-straight this fall. The 2019 season was highlighted by a 30-24 victory over the Miami Hurricanes at Marlins Park. The Panthers lost one of its most talented classes ever, as two players were selected in the 2020 NFL Draft and four were signed to undrafted free agent contracts to lead the way for Conference USA.
FIU will look to replace James Morgan at quarterback, who was taken in the fourth round by the New York Jets. The wideout core of Shemar Thornton, Bryce Singleton and JJ Holloman will be a big key for the new Panther QB, as Thornton returns as the leading receiver with nearly 700 yards last year. On defense, the Panthers will look to replace Stantley Thomas-Oliver III in the secondary, who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round. The twin duo of Richard Dames and Rishard Dames will seek to do that, as the pair combined for over 100 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season.
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