Mariota finalist for Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

BALTIMORE — University of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota was named one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award on Monday.

Mariota, a junior from Honolulu, leads the nation in passing efficiency (184.56) and total touchdowns (38) while leading the third-ranked Ducks (No. 4 CFP) to a 9-1 overall mark and spot in the Pac-12 championship game as the North Division representative. The two-time all-conference quarterback ranks first nationally in yards per pass attempt (10.0) and yards per play (9.0) by a quarterback, while leading all FBS players in points responsible for with 228. Mariota’s seven games with four or more touchdowns this season are the most in the FBS.

The NCAA career leader in touchdown to interception ratio (7.67), Mariota is a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award, and is on watch lists for the Walter Camp Award and Manning Award. He has a 32-4 record as a starter and is the only active Pac-12 quarterback with victories against all 11 conference opponents.

Candidates for the Golden Arm Award – which has been presented at the end of each college football season since 1987 – must be college seniors or fourth-year juniors on schedule to graduate with their class. In addition to the accomplishments on the field, candidates are judged on their character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, and leadership qualities.

The other finalists are Brett Hundley (UCLA), Cody Kessler (USC), Bryce Petty (Baylor) and Dak Prescott (Mississippi State).

This year’s winner will be announced on Monday, Dec. 8, with the trophy presentation taking place Friday, Dec. 12, in Baltimore..