Stone named to Unitas Golden Arm, Manning Award watch lists

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Stone Earns Spot On Unitas Golden Arm and Manning Award Watch Lists

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU quarterback Preston Stone has been tabbed to the Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Manning Award Watch List, the two organizations announced on Thursday.

The Unitas Golden Arm Award preseason Watch List, semifinalists, finalists and recipient are selected by the distinguished Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, and former players. The award annually recognizes the top senior or upperclassman quarterback set to graduate with their class.

The namesake of the Golden Arm Award has a storied history. Johnny Unitas was an 18-year veteran of the NFL, who played his collegiate career at the University of Louisville before joining the Baltimore Colts in 1958. His career passing figures include 2,830 pass completions for 40,239 yards, 290 touchdowns and throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.

This year's award winner will be presented the Golden Arm Award trophy at the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award celebration the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland, on Friday, December 6, 2024.

The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates' postseason performances in its balloting.

Finalists for the Manning award will be selected prior to the postseason and the winner will be announced following the College Football Playoff National Championship. The winner will again be selected by a voting panel, which includes national media and each of the Mannings.

Stone is coming off a breakout campaign last year when he helped lead the Mustangs to their first conference championship since 1984. Stone threw for a career highs in yards (3,197) and touchdowns (28). His 90.9 passing grade last season by Pro Football Focus (PFF) led all American Athletic Conference (AAC) quarterbacks. He also ranked first in big-time throws (30) and fourth in passer rating (110.0).

The Dallas native led one of the best offenses in SMU history, with the 542 points scored ranking second highest in program history. The 38.7 scoring average was the eighth best in the country in 2023, while the 29 rushing touchdowns were third most in program history. The Mustangs scored at least 55 points four times in 2023, the most in program history for a single season. SMU's offense also finished top five in program history in first downs (first), passing touchdowns (fifth), passing yards (fifth) and total yards (tied for first).

His passing efficiency rating of 161.3 last season ranks ninth highest for a returning quarterback in all of the FBS.

Last season, the Dallas native was named the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week following his week nine performance against Tulsa. He racked up 371 yards and three touchdowns as the Mustangs earned a 69-10 victory.

This past summer, Stone attended the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

The two watch lists mark the sixth and seventh preseason accolade Stone has picked up, as he was named to the Maxwell Award watch list, Davey O'Brien Award watch list, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team, Pix Six Previews Preseason All-ACC Second Team and the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List.

[Pony ^]

there will be some interesting reactions from the casual fans when Jennings potentially gets the nod

[Charleston Pony]

All indications are we have QBs 1 & 1a and I've always considered that a good "problem" to have. It will be interesting to see if both guys get playing time in most of our games this season with coaches going with the "hot hand" and quick to relieve a guy who gets dinged up because you know that's going to happen. Let's just hope for no serious injury to Stone or Jennings this year

[Pony4Life]

I wouldn't hate seeing that, but it's hard to believe it happens, at least at the start of the season. Lashlee says all the right things about how competition makes everyone better, but look how many awards/mentions Stone is getting. No way those nominations go out if someone hasn't said he's the guy, at least at the start of the season.

[Lefty]

I just hope this doesn't turn into David Page/Josh McCown 2.0 (for the greybeards among us) which ended up driving McCown away from SMU.

[indianmustang]

https://www.pff.com/news/college-footba ... backs-2024

[BUS]

Well, that is pretty high up on the list. Stay healthy but know we also have Jennings who is really good.
Good problem to have.
What grade is Jennngs?

[GrapevineMustang]

I just hope this doesn't turn into David Page/Josh McCown 2.0 (for the greybeards among us) which ended up driving McCown away from SMU.

Still can't believe Cavan ran off McCown

Everyone (o-line, RBs, WRs, TEs) need to play great and stay healthy to push Preston for a national award like this.