Tops’ Messer named to Paul Hornung Award watch list

Published 11:08 am Thursday, August 1, 2024

Western Kentucky University redshirt freshman wide receiver Easton Messer (8) attempts to run the ball around Sam Houston redshirt sophomore kicker Christian Pavon (49) in the Hilltoppers’ 28-23 win over the Bearkats at Houchens-Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky., on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (Grace Ramey/grace.ramey@bgdailynews.com)

Western Kentucky wide receiver Easton Messer was named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Thursday.

Now in its 15th season, the Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission in memory of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. The winner and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner in Louisville in March 2025.

Messer, a redshirt sophomore from Louisville, is entering his third season at WKU. Messer saw action in all 13 games for the Hilltoppers during the 2023 season with one start. He caught 42 passes for 484 yards and four touchdowns on the season, finishing third on the team in all three categories. Messer also served as WKU’s kick returner, posting 333 yards on 15 returns. Messer ranked third in Conference USA in kick return yards.

Messer received CUSA All-Conference and All-Freshman Team honors as a kick returner and was also named to the CUSA All-Freshman Team as a receiver in 2023.

WKU is scheduled to kick off the 2024 season with a 6 p.m. CT game at Alabama on Aug. 31. The Hilltoppers will host Eastern Kentucky for their home opener on Sept. 7, at 6 p.m., and will open CUSA play the following week with a 6 p.m. CT game at Middle Tennessee on Sept. 14.{&end}

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