Kawann Short and Ricardo Allen are on the preseason watch list for the nation's best defensive player.

The Chuck Bednarik Award has 65 FBS players on its early list. It'll trim the list to semifinalists on October 29, after Purdue already has played eight games.

The Boilermakers are one of 19 teams to have at least two players on the preseason list.

Short returned for his senior season with Purdue with the expectation of becoming one of the country's elite defensive tackles. Last season, he had 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks en route to a first-team All-Big Ten selection.

Allen, a cornerback, had three interceptions as a sophomore last season. He returned one for a touchdown, the third interception return for a touchdown in his career, tying a school career record.

GoldandBlack.com Mobile for your AndroidClick GoldandBlack.com Mobile for your iPhoneClick Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2012. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited. E-mail GoldandBlack.com/Boilers, Inc.Here to view this Link. | Here to view this Link.

Click Click Click Check out GoldandBlack.com on Here to view this Link. | Here to view this Link. | Here to view this Link.

Click Here to view this Link.