Gilmore is the first Georgia State linemen selected to the Outland Trophy watch list.
Shamarious Gilmore, Georgia State’s top returning offensive lineman, has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2020 Outland Trophy, announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America.
Gilmore, the Panthers’ senior left guard, is one of 85 standout interior linemen recognized on the preseason watch list, representing all 10 Division I FBS conferences and independents. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the Outland Trophy; ends are not eligible.
The Riverdale, Ga., native (Drew High School) has earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors in each of his first three seasons, including third-team recognition in 2019. He is a preseason, first-team All-Sun Belt selection by Phil Steele and Athlon.
Gilmore has started 37 straight games for the Panthers and been a key figure in back-to-back school-record rushing seasons in 2018 and 2019, helping Georgia State average 208 yards per game over the last two years.
Last fall, he helped the GSU offense rank No. 13 in FBS with 241.6 rushing yards per game while setting school records for rushing yards (3,141), rushing touchdowns (30), total offense (5,818), first downs (305), touchdowns (53) and points (406). He blocked for Sun Belt rushing leader Tra Barnett (111.8 ypg/No. 11 FBS).
The Outland Trophy, now in its 75th year, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since.
Georgia State is scheduled to open the 2020 season by hosting Murray State on Thursday, Sept. 3 at Georgia State Stadium.