TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona redshirt sophomore center Nathan Eldridge has been named to the 2017 Rimington Trophy Watch List, given to the nation's best at the position. Eldridge is one of seven Pac-12 players earning recognition from the Rimington Trophy Committee on Tuesday and one of 11 underclassmen included.
 
In his first year with the Wildcats, Eldridge started all 12 games at center in 2016. He was a member of the offensive line that paved the way for the Pac-12's top rushing offense last season. Arizona ran for 235 yards per contest in 2016 with Eldridge at the center of the offensive line.
 
With Eldridge in the middle, Arizona's run game rushed for at least 115 yards in all 12 games last season. The Wildcats surpassed the 200-yard mark seven times. Eldridge made his 12^th and final start of the season last year in the Territorial Cup against Arizona State. Arizona set a single-game school record with 511 rushing yards and produced three 100-yard rushers in the same game for just the second time in school history.
 
An Anthem Boulder Creek High School product, Eldridge redshirted in 2015 after a prep career that saw him earn Division I 5A all-state.
 
Eldridge and the Wildcats open the 2017 season on Sept. 2 at Arizona Stadium versus NAU. For season ticket information, or information on mini-plans or single-game tickets, visit ArizonaWildcats/FootballTickets.
 
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