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The Manning Award for the nation’s top quarterback unveiled its initial watch list of 30 quarterbacks on Wednesday. Austin Allen (Arkansas), Jacbo Eason (Georgia), Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State), Jalen Hurts (Alabama) and Drew Lock (Missouri) all make the list.
Hurts is one of seven finalists from last season, when the award went to former Clemson QB Deshaun Watson, to make the 2017 watch list. The ACC is tied with the SEC for most quarterbacks on the watch list this year.
“We once again have a great group of quarterbacks returning to college football this fall,” said Archie Manning. “While this Watch List has many of the best returning players, we look forward to making midseason additions as teams settle on definite starters and as young players step up and make names for themselves. I’m really looking forward to getting the season rolling to see which guys will rise to the top and become Manning Award finalists.”
The Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, is unique to other quarterback awards is it accounts for postseason performances.
Another SEC quarterback not on the watch list could still win the award. Midseason additions to the Watch List will be announced on Oct. 12. The list of 10 finalists will be released on Nov. 30. The winner will be announced in the week following the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The full list can be viewed here.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
