Wilson named Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist
October 24, 2011 | Football
Oct. 24, 2011
MADISON, Wis. -- Senior quarterback Russell Wilson is one of 16 semifinalists for the 2011 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, the Davey O’Brien Foundation announced Monday. Wilson has led the Badgers to a 6-1 record and a No. 11 ranking in the latest USA Today Coaches Poll.
Wilson is completing 73.2 percent of his passes (109-of-149) for 1,780 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has also rushed 32 times for 212 yards and three scores while catching one pass for 25 yards and a TD. The transfer from NC State is on pace to break both the NCAA and Big Ten records for pass efficiency, ranking second in the country at 204.9.
A finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as well, Wilson has thrown at least one TD pass in 31-straight contests, the longest active streak in the country. The NCAA record is 36 by Graham Harrell of Texas Tech. He has 16 TD passes through seven games, threatening to break the school record of 21 set by John Stocco in 2005.
Wilson, a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week this season, has been the master of the big play this season, averaging 12.0 yards per pass attempt to lead the country. The FBS record is 11.1 yards per attempt set by BYU Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer in 1989. He also leads the country, averaging 11.0 yards per play, also on pace to break the NCAA record. Colt Brennan of Hawaii set that record in 2006 with 9.2 yards per play.
Fans can follow the Russell Wilson awards campaign on Twitter (@RussellManiaXVI) and Facebook (Facebook.com/RussellManiaXVI).
