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In the first week of #WatchListSeason, Lowell Lotulelei has popped up on three award watch lists already.

The junior defensive tackle was given a nod by landing on the watch lists for http://www.ncfaa.org/16watchlists.pdf";>the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (best defensive player) and the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman). He was one of five Utes to be "watch-listed" on Friday afternoon.

For the Nagurski, Lotulelei was joined by defensive end Hunter Dimick, defensive end Kylie Fitts and safety Marcus Williams. Among the Outland listees, offensive tackle J.J. Dielman was also included.

Lotulelei is one of Utah's most hyped players of the offseason, drawing intrigue for analysts looking ahead to the 2017 NFL Draft. http://bit.ly/29kz3D2";>He and Fitts were both named to the Bednarik Award list on Tuesday.

So far, six Utes have appeared on some kind of award watch list. http://bit.ly/29BbI2L";>Kicker Andy Phillips was one of 30 candidates on the Lou Groza Award list on Thursday.

Not to be outdone, coach Kyle Whittingham is also among 24 coaches on the watch list for the Dodd Trophy, which goes to the most outstanding coach in the country.

Next week will see nine more watch lists released by the NCFAA, because we can't have enough.

Quick hitters:

• Extra info on http://bit.ly/29vjeKi";>Kenneth Ogbe's exit from Utah men's basketball: The Tribune has learned he intends to transfer to Utah Valley University, which is an upcoming opponent this fall for the Utes. If Ogbe is able to join the Wolverines as a graduate transfer, he'll be able to play against Utah when the teams meet at the Huntsman Center on Dec. 6. His departure leaves Utah with 12 scholarship players for next season, and the team could leave Ogbe's scholarship open for the upcoming year barring a surprise late addition.

• Former Ute Johnnie Bryant acted as the Utah Jazz's Summer League coach this past week, and coached Thursday night's exhibition against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night at his old digs in the Huntsman Center. As a Ute between 2005-08, Bryant was one of the school's top-25 scorers and holds the Utes' record for 3-point percentage (.455). Said Bryant of returning to the Huntsman Center: "It was weird. Obviously it's a great facility, the changes that have been made. … It's weird walking to the scorer's table and not checking in. But it was good. It was fun."

• Incoming Utah gymnast MyKayla Skinner competes this weekend (July 8 and 10) to earn a spot in the Rio Olympics. On Thursday, http://www.sltrib.com/sports/4090808-155/olympics-future-ute-gymnast-mykayla-skinner";>Kurt Kragthorpe wrote a bit about Skinner and her Olympic goals.

kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon