PROVO -- The Davey O’Brien Foundation today announced that BYU quarterback Max Hall is one of 13 semifinalists for the prestigious Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award.
Awarded annually since 1981, The O’Brien is presented to the nation's outstanding quarterback by the Davey O’Brien Foundation. The award is based on athletic ability, academics, character, leadership, sportsmanship and reputation as a team player.
“The O’Brien is proud to highlight these young men, not only for their elite quarterback skills, but for their qualities of character and leadership that the award is committed to honoring,” said Danielle Moorman, executive director of the Davey O’Brien Foundation.
The O’Brien selection committee is comprised of journalists, broadcasters, commentators and former winners.
“It’s a real honor for me to be considered a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award,” said Hall. “BYU football and the O’Brien Award share a rich history and tradition. I’m thrilled to have my name associated with the past and current candidates for this prestigious award.”
Through eight games, Hall ranks in the Top-10 nationally in five statistical categories — completions per game (24.8), passing yards per game (295.5), passing efficiency (161.0), total passing yards (2,364) and points per game (20). Hall has started the past 21 games for BYU, during which the Cougars have a 18-3 record (.857) and an undefeated record at home (11-0) in LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Three finalists from the list below will be announced on Nov. 24.
2008 O’BRIEN SEMIFINALISTS
- Sam Bradford, Soph., Oklahoma, Big 12
- Daryl Clark, Junior, Penn State, Big Ten
- Chase Daniel, Senior, Missouri, Big 12
- Max Hall, Junior, BYU, MWC
- Graham Harrell, Senior, Texas Tech, Big 12
- David Johnson, Senior, Tulsa, C-USA
- Colt McCoy, Junior, Texas, Big 12
- Todd Reesing, Junior, Kansas, Big 12
- Zac Robinson, Junior, Oklahoma State, Big 12
- Mark Sanchez, Junior, USC, Pac-10
- Matthew Stafford, Junior, Georgia, SEC
- Tim Tebow, Junior, Florida, SEC
- John Parker Wilson, Senior, Alabama, SEC
The O’Brien winner will be announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show airing Dec. 11.
BYU has a storied tradition of O’Brien Award-winning quarterbacks. From the inaugural award winner in Jim McMahon, to the two-time winner in Ty Detmer, no school has captured more O’Brien trophies than BYU.
BYU AND THE O’BRIEN
1996 - Steve Sarkisian, 3rd place
1991 - Ty Detmer, winner
1990 - Ty Detmer, winner
1984 - Robbie Bosco, runner up
1983 - Steve Young, winner
1981 - Jim McMahon, winner