Nick Fitzgerald named one of 10 finalists for national QB award
By Keith Farner
Published:
The SEC had one representative among the 10 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is given each year to the top junior or senior quarterback in college football.
Mississippi State’s Nick Fitzgerald was named a finalist for the award, which also includes character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, and leadership qualities. It’s been given each year since 1987. Past winners include Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Matt Ryan and Andrew Luck. Last year’s winner was Deshaun Watson from Clemson.
Fitzgerald has completed 119-of-209 passes for 1,320 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He is in the top 10 of the SEC in most major statistical categories for quarterbacks.
Fitzgerald this week earned the fourth SEC Offensive Player of the Week honor of his career, which is the second most in school history behind Dak Prescott’s five selections. He had 246 yards and three touchdowns in Mississippi State’s 35-14 victory at Texas A&M.
Fitzgerald rushed for 105 yards on 18 carries with one TD. It was his third straight 100-yard rushing game and the 12th of his career, which set the SEC record for most 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback.
Top 10 Golden Arm Award Finalists:
J.T. Barrett, Ohio State
Riley Ferguson, Memphis
Ryan Finley, NC State
Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi St.
Quinton Flowers, South Florida
Kenny Hill, TCU
Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Trace McSorley, Penn St.
Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
Logan Woodside, Toledo
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
