COLUMBUS, Ohio: Ohio State’s towers of power up front, offensive tackles Kirk Barton and Alex Boone, have been named to the 2007 Outland Trophy watch list. Additionally, Buckeye linebacker James Laurinaitis has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list. Both lists were announced earlier today by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

Barton, a 6-6, 310-pound senior, will be in his third full year as a starter, while the 6-8, 325 pound Boone, who is a junior, will be in his second season as a regular at left tackle. Laurinaitis won the Nagurski last year, becoming the first Buckeye player to do so. He finished the season with 115 total tackles and five interceptions, both of which led the team, and received consensus All-America honors in a breakout sophomore season.