TicketsOct. 26, 2009
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati senior quarterback Tony Pike (Cincinnati, Ohio/Reading) was named one of 15 semifinalists for the 2009 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award.
Narrowed down from all 120 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) quarterbacks, the list highlights 15 individuals who will vie for the oldest and most prestigious award honoring the nation's best college quarterback.
Pike has made six starts in 2009, going 128-of-199 for 1,633 yards, 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. He leads the BIG EAST in total offense (276.5), has completed 64.3 percent of his passes and averages 272.2 yards per game with a quarterback efficiency rating of 155.11.
He missed UC's game against Louisville on Oct. 24 with a left (non-throwing) arm injury.
"We are proud to recognize this group of young men for their performances on and off the field," said Danielle Moorman, executive director of the Davey O'Brien Foundation. "The commitment, sportsmanship and leadership qualities exemplified by these quarterbacks truly embody the spirit of The O'Brien."
The Davey O'Brien National Selection Committee, an elite group of journalists, broadcasters, commentators and former winners, selected The O'Brien Semifinalists, with the Fan Vote accounting for 5 % of the total vote. The Selection Committee is asked to evaluate each candidate on the criteria of his quarterback skills and athletic ability, academics, his reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship. For a complete listing of the Selection Committee, visit www.DaveyOBrien.org.
Fans may now help determine which three quarterbacks will advance as Finalists by voting as often as once daily at www.VoteOBrien.org. Fan voting will close at noon CST on Nov. 22. Finalists will be announced on Nov. 23. The Fan Vote accounts for 5% of each round of the voting process.
The 2009 O'Brien Winner will be announced live on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show airing Dec. 10 on ESPN and will be honored at the 33rd Annual Davey O'Brien Awards Dinner held at The Fort Worth Club on Feb. 15, 2010 in Fort Worth, Texas.
2009 O'Brien Semifinalists
- Matt Barkley, USC
- Daryll Clark, Penn State
- Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
- Jacory Harris, Miami
- Case Keenum, Houston
- Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
- Jake Locker, Washington
- Colt McCoy, Texas
- Kellen Moore, Boise State
- Tony Pike, Cincinnati
- Todd Reesing, Kansas
- Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State
- Ricky Stanzi, Iowa
- Bill Stull, Pittsburgh
- Tim Tebow, Florida
About The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award®
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 aims to help 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 has given away more than $770,000 in 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.org.