CMU RB Lew Nichols III named to Maxwell Award watch list
![17726fc1-778a-4755-94db-b7b4704a4ebd](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/cml/6c312390-061a-4aed-9785-82718e04ff5b.sized-1000x1000.jpeg?w=1000)
Detroit freshman Lew Nichols III drags a defender into the end zone against Toledo on Sat. Oct. 16 during the homecoming game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. CMU beat the Toledo Rockets 26-23.
A busy offseason continues with more accolades for Central Michigan running back Lew Nichols III.
Entering the 2022 season as the nation's leading rusher, Nichols was named to the Maxwell Award watch list. The award is given at the end of the season to college football's most outstanding player, and Nichols is one of 85 players placed on the preseason watch list.
The latest accolade comes after Nichols was named a preseason All-American by The Sporting News, Phil Steele and Athlon Sports. Last season, he rushed for a national-best 1,848 while also pacing Division I with 2,186 all-purpose yards.
For his performance in 2021, Nichols was named the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
The Maxwell Award announces its semifinalists on Nov. 1 and its finalists on Nov. 22. The award will be announced on Dec. 8 as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.