Chuck Bednarik Award: College Defensive Player of the Year
With the negative narratives surrounding Jadeveon Clowney, it is obvious as to why he was left out of the finalist list. Although, Stanford’s Trent Murphy has garnered little to no attention despite leading the nation in sacks with 13. He has had five 2+ sacks performances, including the games against Stanford’s in-state rivals UCLA and USC. Not only that, but he has recorded a total of 19.5 tackles for loss. Murphy understands his role and fills rushing lanes well while also providing splashes of pass rushing ability. His well-roundedness allows Stanford to utilize him in any situation to allow for the best matchups at all times.
Biletnikoff Award: Nation’s Most Outstanding College Receiver
While there is a lot of media talk surrounding Fresno State’s Derek Carr, his leading receiver deserves equal recognition, especially in terms of award recognition. Davante Adams is a tall, lengthy wide reciever with ability to leap over his opponent and pluck the ball out of the air. In the red zone, he is unstoppable. Fresno State’s red zone offense revolves around Adams catching goal line fades in the corners of the end zone. In such traffic, Adams dominates and refuses to not score. His strong hands allow him to go up and come down with tightly contested passes that few, if any, other wide receivers in the nation could haul in.
Maxwell Award: College Player of the Year
No, it is not the Heisman. Similar, but they are not one in the same. Oregon’s Marcus Mariota was robbed of a finalist spot.
He has scored 30 passing touchdowns compared to a lowly four interceptions. That is a rate of one interception per 7.25 touchdown passes.
Not only has he picked teams apart with his arm, but he dismantles his opposition with his elite athleticism. Once he has escaped the pocket, Mariota is a phantom.
He’s nearly impossible to catch, especially from behind. Mariota has even played through knee injuries and still succeeded.
Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award: Nation’s Best Quarterback
Although Mariota is a more dynamic package, Teddy Bridgewater is the better pure quarterback and was snubbed from the list of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Despite plenty of drops from his receivers, Bridgewater has maintained a completion percentage of 70%. He has also been able to keep mistakes to a minimum and has only thrown four interceptions over the course of twelve games. Those four interceptions are overshadowed by his 28 passing touchdowns; making his touchdown-interception ratio 7:1. Bridgewater is everything that one dreams of in a quarterback and it is criminal that he is shunned from the finalist list.
Outland Trophy: Nation’s Most Outstanding Interior Lineman
The award may be rewarded to an offensive or defensive lineman, but this year’s most notable snub plays offense. Gabe Jackson of Mississippi State has been a dominant force at left guard. He has been able to contain the elite athletes of the SEC both as a pass protector and a run blocker. He is the commander of his offensive line and leads his peers by example. Jackson is touted by many as the best guard in the nation, even over actual finalist Cyril Richardson.
Jim Thorpe Award: Nation’s Best Defensive Back
Jason Verrett of TCU has been a lockdown cornerback during his senior campaign.
Whichever receiver he is lined up against is essentially guaranteed to be a non-factor. He has defended a total of 16 passes this season, two of which were interceptions, but Verrett is not limited to dominating in coverage.
Against the run, he is a willing and explosive tackler for a cornerback.
Even as a blitzer, Verrett’s quick twitch makes him a pass rushing weapon and further adds to his versatility.
Doak Walker Award: Nation’s Premier Running Back
After missing the first three games of the season, Ohio State’s Carlos Hyde has arguably been the most dominant running back in all of college football. His average of 7.8 yards per carry through 165 carries has brought him to a grand total of 1,290 yards rushing. His burst at the second level, brute power, and versatility as a third down running back has given his opponents nightmares. Hyde has found the end zone 14 times through the ground, as well as having scored twice as a receiving threat.