For those who thought -- or were hoping -- they’d seen the last of these types of posts this year, you are sadly mistaken.
The latest to release its preseason watch list is the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given annually to the nation’s top senior (eligibility-wise or academically) quarterback. In other words, don’t freak out because Florida State’s Jameis Winston or the like aren’t included.
Among those who are included are three semifinalists for last year’s award, with all three hailing from the Pac-12: Arizona State’s Taylor Kelly (no relation), Oregon State’s Sean Mannion and Oregon’s Marcus Mariota.
Speaking of the Pac-12, they paced all conferences with seven quarterbacks on the watch list. The Big Ten was next with six, followed by the SEC (five), Big 12 (three), Mountain West (two) and one each from the AAC, ACC and Conference USA. Prairie View A&M’s Jerry Lovelocke was the only non-FBS player to make the initial cut.
AJ McCarron of Alabama was the 2013 recipient of the award.
Below is the complete list of 27 players:
