The Davey O'Brien Foundation released its preseason list of 33 quarterbacks and it's no surprise that Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Texas' Colt McCoy and Florida's Tim Tebow were among the nominees.
What I did find shocking though was the names of a few quarterbacks who are here based on potential. USC's Aaron Corp was 2 for 4 for 14 yards last season but is a nominee. Being the quarterbacks of the USC Trojans definitely has its privileges. So does being the Texas Tech quarterback. Taylor Potts finished last season 23-of-36, but the fact that he could end up throwing for 5,000 yards, he lands on this list.
According to the press release, the list focuses on a select group of quarterbacks who have demonstrated what members of the Selection Committee have recognized as tremendous preseason talent. The award focuses on accomplishments both on and off the field.
Where's East Carolina's Patrick Pinkney? He had a pretty good year last season and the Pirates are a favorite in C-USA. How about Arkansas State's Corey Leonard? He was preseason Sun Belt quarterback.
Semifinalists will be announced Oct. 26, finalist will be named Nov. 23 and the winner on Dec. 10. The O'Brien Selection Committee is asked to evaluate each candidate on the criteria of quarterback skills and athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship.
Here is the list:
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, Jr.; Jarrett Brown, West Virginia, Sr.; Daryll Clark, Penn State, Sr.; Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame, Jr.; Aaron Corp, USC, Soph.; Robert Griffin, Baylor, Soph.; Matt Grothe, South Florida, Sr.; Max Hall, BYU., Sr.; Tim Hiller, Western Michigan, Sr.; Jordan Jefferson, LSU, Soph.; Colin Kaepernick, Nevada, Jr.; Case Keenum, Houston, Jr.; Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan, Sr.; Jake Locker, Washington, Jr.; Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, Soph.; Jeremiah Masoli, Oregon, Jr..
Colt McCoy, Texas, Sr.; Kellen Moore, Boise State, Soph.; Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech, Jr.; Tony Pike, Cincinnati, Sr.; Taylor Potts, Texas Tech, Jr.; Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, Soph.; Todd Reesing, Kansas, Sr.; Kevin Riley, California, Jr.; Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State, Sr.; Riley Skinner, Wake Forest, Sr.; Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic, Sr.; Jevan Snead, Ole Miss, Jr.; Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech, Jr.; Tim Tebow, Florida, Sr.; Adam Weber, Minnesota, Jr.; Juice Williams, Illinois, Sr.; Russell Wilson, North Carolina State, Soph.
