UCLA players on national watch lists

As expected, those UCLA football players coming off big 2011s are getting some recognition.

Senior running back Johnathan Franklin has been named to the Maxwell Award watch list, given to to the nation’s top college football player.

Senior tight end Joseph Fauria was named to the Mackey Award watch list, which goes to the best tight end.

And this morning, senior punter Jeff Locke was named to the Ray Guy Award watch list for what feels like the 47th consecutive year, though he’ll be attempting to the top punter prize for the first time. As a freshman, he got the closest, being named one of 10 semifinalists.

As more of the preseason watch lists roll out, more Bruins will be named.