Here is a rundown of the major college football awards that will be given out over the next week.
Heisman Trophy
- Collin Klein, Kansas State (2,490 P-YDS, 890 R-YDS, 37 TOT TD, 7 INT)
- Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (3,419 P-YDS, 1,181 R-YDS, 43 TOT TD, 8 INT)
- Manti Te’o, Notre Dame (101 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 7 INT)
Will Johnny Football be the first Freshman to take the award? Will Te’o be the second Defensive player in a long time to take it? Or will Klein keep the Heisman universe at a steady level.
Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year)
- Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina (49 Tackles, 13 Sacks)
- Jarvis Jones, Georgia (78 Tackles, 12.5 Sacks, 1 INT)
- Manti Te’o, Notre Dame (101 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 7 INT)
Te’o is the favorite in this category. Not only did he lead the Irish D to a National Title Game appearance, but he’s a finalist for numerous awards including the Heisman.
Biletnikoff Award (Top WR)
- Stedman Bailey, West Virginia (106 REC, 1,501 YDS, 23 TD)
- Marqise Lee, USC (112 REC, 1,608 YDS, 14 TD)
- Terrance Williams, Baylor (95 REC, 1,764 YDS, 12 TD)
This one is a toss-up between Lee and Bailey. Both were considered Heisman hopefuls at one point during the season.
Davey O’Brien Award (Top QB)
- Collin Klein, Kansas State (2,490 P-YDS, 890 R-YDS, 37 TOT TD, 7 INT)
- Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (3,419 P-YDS, 1,181 R-YDS, 43 TOT TD, 8 INT)
- Braxton Miller, Ohio State (2,039 P-YDS, 1,271 R-YDS, 28 TOT TD, 6 INT)
Miller did lead the Buckeyes to an undefeated season, but Klein and Manziel’s numbers are far more impressive. It’s a toss-up between the two Heisman Finalists.
Doak Walker Award (Top RB)
- Montee Ball, Wisconsin (1,730 YDS, 21 TD)
- Kenjon Barner, Oregon (1,624 R-YDS, 232 REC-YDS, 22 TOT TD)
- Johnathan Franklin, UCLA (1,700 R-YDS. 319 REC-YDS, 15 TOT TD)
This one is a toss-up. Ball led Wisconsin to a B1G Title and Rose Bowl appearance, Barner split time and still put up big numbers while sending Oregon to the Fiesta Bowl, and Franklin led UCLA to the Pac-12 title game and a bowl appearance.
Jim Thorpe Award (Top Defensive Back)
- Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State (59 Tackles, 4 INT)
- Dee Milliner, Alabama (51 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 2 INT)
- Phillip Thomas, Fresno State (82 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 8 INT, 3 TD)
Thomas should win this hands-down but will the voters agree when comparing MWC opponents to SEC opponents?
Lou Groza Award (Top Kicker)
- Dustin Hopkins, Florida State (27/28 FG, 61/62 XPT, Long of 56)
- Cairo Santos, Tulane (21/21 FG, 26/27 XPT, Long of 57)
- Caleb Sturgis, Florida (23/27 FG, 32/33 XPT, Long of 51)
Hopkins is the favorite but the boot of 57yds doesn’t hurt Santos’ chances either.
Mackey Award (Top TE)
- Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame (44 REC, 624 YDS, 4 TD)
- Zach Ertz, Stanford (66 REC, 837 YDS, 6 TD)
- Austin Seferian – Jenkins, Washington (63 REC, 791 YDS, 6 TD)
This one is a toss-up between two Pac-12 foes. Ertz has the advantage.
Maxwell Award (College Player of the Year)
- Collin Klein, Kansas State (2,490 P-YDS, 890 R-YDS, 37 TOT TD, 7 INT)
- Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (3,419 P-YDS, 1,181 R-YDS, 43 TOT TD, 8 INT)
- Manti Te’o, Notre Dame (101 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 7 INT)
It’s between the 3 Heisman hopefuls. In the last 3 years, only once has the Heisman winner taken this award.
Outland Trophy (Top Interior Lineman)
- Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
- Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
- Barrett Jones, Alabama
Ray Guy Award (Top P)
- Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech
- Kyle Christy, Florida
- Scott Kovanda, Ball State
2012 Awards Winners (So Far):
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm : Collin Klein, Kansas State
Bronko Nagurski Award: Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
Dick Butkus Award: Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
Photo Credits: Reuters/Jeff Haynes
