DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake University football seniors Nick Rosa (Owasso, Okla.) and Kevin Marshall (Glen Ellyn, Ill.) have been named to the 2013 College Football Performance Awards preseason watch lists for their respective positions.

Marshall, who was recently voted a team captain, returns as one of the top tight ends in the Pioneer Football League after catching 53 passes for 500 yards with two touchdowns in 10 games last season to earn All-PFL honorable mention accolades. The preliminary tight end watch list highlights thirty-two returning performers, vying for the top individual tight end award in the Football Championship Subdivision as awarded by the CFPA.

“Congratulations to Kevin Marshall on earning a spot on the 2013 CFPA Watch List," CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith said. “2013 is likely to be another strong season for Drake Football.”

Rosa was Drake's top receiver in 2012 as his 54 catches for 804 yards with six touchdowns helped lead the Bulldogs to their second straight PFL title. His more than 70 yards receiving per game earned him second team All-PFL honors.  The preliminary watch list highlights thirty-four returning wide receivers that are vying for the CFPA FCS award.

“Rosa will likely play an important role in Coach Creighton's offense in 2013, as well as Drake's pursuit of a third straight PFL championship,” Smith said.

All CFPA recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions.