The Chuck Bednarik Award is given to the Defensive Player of the Year.
Last years’ winner DB Tyrann Mathieu of the LSU Tigers has fallen from favor and is ineligible to repeat in 2012. The current watch list is ripe with outstanding talent including DB Johnthan Banks of Mississippi State, LB Arthur Brown of Kansas State, DE Jadeveon Clowney of South Carolina, DB Matt Elam of the Florida Gators, LB Khaseem Greene of Rutgers, DL Johnathan Hankins of Ohio State, LB Jarvis Jones the Georgia Bulldogs, DL Star Lotulelei of Utah, DB Dee Milliner of Alabama and Linebacker Sam Montgomery of LSU.
This watch list is ridiculously laden with talent. Any one of these kids could easily walk away with more than one award for 2012.
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award goes to the Outstanding Senior Quarterback each year. In 2011 Andrew Luck of Stanford was awarded the coveted prize. He is now starting for the Indianapolis Colts.
The following are currently the top ten players under consideration of this great honor. Remember, they must be seniors. We start with Matt Barkley from the University of Southern California, Landry Jones of the Oklahoma Sooners, Collin Klein of Kansas State, E.J. Manuel of Florida State, A.J. McCarron of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Aaron Murray of the University of Georgia, Denard Robinson of Michigan, Geno Smith of West Virginia, Tyler Tettleton of Ohio and Tyler Wilson of the Arkansas Razorbacks. As far as what you think when you hear “golden arm,” this list is rapidly narrowed to A.J. McCarron, Collin Klein. McCarron has not thrown an interception since somewhere back in 2011 and Klein continues to lead his Wildcats through a surprising undefeated season. These are the guys who will have to step forward and claim this prize as the season rolls to a climax.
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award is given to the Outstanding Player.
The previous winner in 2011 was Robert Griffin III of Baylor who is now the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins and can be seen in various TV commercials. This year’s short list for College Footballs’ most prestigious award starts with Kansas State QB Collin Klein, Linebacker Manti Te’o of Notre Dame is most notable as the Heisman is usually reserved only for running backs and quarterbacks such as Kenjon Barner of Oregon, A.J. McCarron of Alabama and Braxton Miller of Ohio State. Best of Luck to All!
