Willis named to O'Brien Award watch list

[PonyPride]

(Blog already mentioned this — here's the complete release from the SMU athletic department)


Willis Named To O'Brien Award Watch List
Sophomore One Of 35 On List

Aug. 21, 2007

FORT WORTH - SMU sophomore quarterback Justin Willis has been named to the 2007 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award(r) Watch List, the organization announced today. The list features 35 of college football's most talked-about quarterbacks. The O'Brien is presented annually to the nation's best college quarterback and inspires student-athletes to triumph both on and off the field.

Willis re-wrote the Mustangs' single-season passing record books during his first year on the Hilltop, setting a new school record for touchdown passes with 26. For the year, he completed 182-of-270 for 2,047 yards and just six interceptions, ranking 10th in the nation in passing efficiency. His 29 TDs accounted for were the most in SMU history and his 2,401 yards of total offense were fourth-best in a season at SMU. In addition, his 67.4 completion percentage was best in school history.

The Watch List is based on All-America teams and Honorable Mentions published in at least six different preseason college football magazines. A candidate must be listed as an All-America quarterback or as a 1st or 2nd team All-American within his conference in at least one publication, or as Honorable Mention in at least three publications.

The O'Brien requires Selection Committee members to consider the character and leadership qualities of each candidate, in addition to athletic prowess when voting.

"Along with athletic ability, The O'Brien winner must exhibit the same character and moral fiber that Davey O'Brien displayed throughout his life," Davey O'Brien Foundation executive director Danielle Moorman said. "We challenge Watch List candidates to live up to this fundamental aspect of our award while leading their teams into competition."

The winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN Dec. 6, 2007. The recipient will be honored Feb. 18, 2008, at the annual Davey O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

Willis was previously named one of the "Players To Watch" for the Manning Award, given to college football's top quarterback by the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

2007 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List
Justin Willis, SMU, So.
Erik Ainge, Tennessee, Sr.
John David Booty, USC, Sr.
Colt Brennan, Hawaii, Sr.
Brian Brohm, Louisville, Sr.
Shaun Carney, Air Force, Sr.
Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State, Jr.
Chase Clement, Rice, Jr.
Chase Daniel, Missouri, Jr.
Nate Davis, Ball State, So.
Dennis Dixon, Oregon, Sr.
Julian Edelman, Kent State, Jr.
Caleb Hanie, Colorado State, Sr.
Martin Hankins, Memphis, Sr.
Graham Harrell, Texas Tech, Jr.
Omar Haugabook, Troy, Sr.
Chad Henne, Michigan, Sr.
Rocky Hinds, UNLV, Jr.
Chase Holbrook, New Mexico St., Jr.
Brian Johnson, Utah, Jr.
Kinsmon Lancaster, UL-Monroe, Jr.
Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan, So.
Corey Leonard, Arkansas St., So.
Nate Longshore, California, Jr.
Colt McCoy, Texas, So.
Anthony Morelli, Penn State, Sr.
Curtis Painter, Purdue, Jr.
Matt Ryan, Boston College, Sr.
Jameel Sewell, Virginia, So.
Riley Skinner, Wake Forest, So.
Paul Smith, Tulsa, Sr.
Matthew Stafford, Georgia, So.
Karsten Sween, Wyoming, So.
Pat White, West Virginia, Jr.
Andre' Woodson, Kentucky, Sr.

[mrydel]

I like your alphabetical listing better than the one Blog posted.

[PonyPride]

Pretty sure his was a typo.
Either that, or he failed when they taught him the alphabet in preschool.

[Casey]

Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Justin is a terrific player who only is going to get better.
Congratulations, Justin — now go out and show the world what a great player you are.

[expony18]

Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Justin is a terrific player who only is going to get better.
Congratulations, Justin — now go out and show the world what a great player you are.

but what stallion wants to know is if justin will get any taller... no BCS school would offer a QB at 6'1 (except maybe texas who offered riley dodge who is 6'1 in cleats)...

[chillinfool]

Chase Daniel at Mizzou is listed at 6' even, and Missouri is a BCS school last time I checked.

[expony18]

spend some more time on the board and you'll understand the joke