Oct. 30, 2007
COLUMBIA, Mo. - University of Missouri junior quarterback Chase Daniel (Southlake, Texas), has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the prestigious Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, which goes annually to the country's top signal caller.
Daniel has his 7-1 Tigers ranked 9th in this week's Bowl Championship Series poll, the highest-ever ranking for Mizzou in that set of rankings. Daniel currently ranks 5th in the NCAA in total offense (342.75 ypg) and 17th in pass efficiency (148.52 rating), and is at the helm directing a Tiger offense that ranks 5th nationally in passing (326.13 ypg), 7th in total offense (498.63 ypg) and 8th in scoring (40.38 ppg).
Daniel is joined on the semifinalist list by Todd Boeckman (Ohio State), Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Colt Brennan (Hawaii), Brian Brohm (Louisville), Shaun Carney (Air Force), Rudy Carpenter (Arizona State), Dennis Dixon (Oregon), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech), Corey Leonard (Arkansas State), Todd Reesing (Kansas), Matt Ryan (Boston College), Tim Tebow (Florida), Pat White (West Virginia) and Andre Woodson (Kentucky).
When voting, the Selection Committee for The O'Brien is asked to evaluate each candidate on quarterback skills, athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship. The combination of votes from the Selection Committee and fan vote will determine the Finalists as well as the Winner this season, with 5% of the total vote coming from dedicated fans.
"The Semifinalist List confirms that being a player of strong character and leadership combined with talent and academics can translate into more than just wins on the field," said Danielle Moorman, executive director of the Davey O'Brien Foundation. "The O'Brien recognizes the diligence and commitment of these young men to their teams, their schools and the true spirit of the game."
This talented group of 15 quarterbacks will continue to jockey for position until the balloting for the three Finalists closes at noon Central Time on Sunday, Nov. 18. All Finalists will be in attendance in Orlando, Fla., where The O'Brien Winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN Dec. 6.
Fans are able to vote for Semifinalist candidates once daily on The O'Brien's Web site, www.DaveyOBrien.com. The voting will continue throughout the Semifinalist and Finalist rounds until The O'Brien winner is announced, with 5% of the final tally coming directly from the Fan Vote.
The O'Brien honors the nation's best college quarterback of the year and inspires student-athletes to triumph both on and off the field. By recognizing and honoring athletes who excel in both sports and academics while exhibiting strong character and leadership, The O'Brien helps to instill a lifelong moral fiber in each candidate. The O'Brien is overseen by the Davey O'Brien Foundation, which was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The Foundation provides scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life. For more information, visit www.DaveyOBrien.com.