BYU’s Masen Wake was a social media darling during the 2020 college football season.
Now, he’s a finalist for the Lowman Trophy. Barstool Sports named the sophomore one of five candidates in contention for its award presented to the nation’s top fullback.
The 6-foot-1, 250-pound Wake is listed as both a tight end and fullback on the Cougars’ roster, and he made the most of limited touches on offense this season. He had five carries for 15 yards, turning two of those into touchdowns. Wake also had eight receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown — a crucial 8-yard catch for a fourth-quarter score against Houston that helped BYU rally for a 43-26 road win.
What made Wake grab attention on social media were his hurdling skills, as well as his ability to truck defenders — the latter of which makes him so effective at the fullback position.
“That’s always been a part of my game, just trying to be untackleable and just try to make plays,” Wake told the Justin Ayers Podcast during the season.
Wake prepped at Lone Peak High, and joined the Cougars as a walk-on in 2019.
The other four semifinalists for the Lowman Trophy include Wisconsin senior Mason Stokke, Army sophomore Jakobi Buchanan, LSU senior Tory Carter and Michigan senior Ben Mason.
The winner will be announced Jan. 5.