Duo of MAC Lineman, John Keenoy and Austin Doan selected for 2017 Rimington Trophy Watchlist

2 former Michigan high school football maulers have transitioned their talents to the college ranks. Former Romeo / Central Michigan 2013 OL Austin Doan and East Kentwood / Western Michigan 2015 OL John Keenoy were selected for the Rimington Trophy Watchlist. The Rimington Trophy is awarded to Division I-A college football’s most outstanding center.

Keenoy received 5 MAC offers out of high school before committing in April of his junior year and he eventually enrolled early at Western Michigan. Keenoy has started all 26 games since his true freshman year at Western Michigan at Center. Also Keenoy anchored the OL that was ranked as the #4 overall offensive line by Pro Football Focus.

Doan was offered by just Central Michigan and Ferris State the week he committed as a junior in 2012. As a redshirt sophomore Doan started all 13 games. As a junior he played in 9 games and was selected for All-MAC Second Team.

The Rimington Award accolades have eluded Michigan athletes shockingly as Michigan has produced numerous pro offensive lineman in recent years, but no recognition. Since 2012 just one other Michigan high school alumni, Nick Beamish of Riverview / Central Michigan has received the pre-season accolade.

The following players were on the watchlist prior to 2011: Ben Bojicic / Farmington Hills Harrison / Bowling Green State - 2011, 2010, & 2009, Joel Nitchman / Kalamazoo Hackett / Michigan State - 2009, Ryan McDonald / West Ottawa / Illinois - 2008 & 2009, Chris Moore / Bedford / Michigan State - 2005 & 2004, Dave Pearson / Brighton / Michigan - 2003, and Brian Ottney / Troy / Michigan State - 2002 & 2001