MSU senior quarterback Connor Cook has been regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the country all season long. Tuesday afternoon that talk was validated with some hardware.
Cook’s play this season has earned him the 2015 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually since 1987 to the nation’s top college quarterback.
“Johnny Unitas was one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time,” Cook said.
“He was a championship player and his accomplishments are absolutely incredible. To be able to go to Baltimore where he played and win an award in his name is stuff you dream about growing up, and to actually live it will be an amazing opportunity that I’m really looking forward to.”
Candidates for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award must be college seniors or fourth-year juniors on schedule to graduate with their class.
Aside from their on-field accomplishments, candidates are also judged on their character, citizenship, scholarship achievement and leadership qualities.
The other finalists for the award included TCU’s Trevone Boykin, USC’s Cody Kessler, Memphis’ Paxton Lynch and Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott.
The senior has thrown for 2,921 yards and 24 touchdowns en route to a 12-1 season and a berth in the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Alabama.
“I’m very honored and thankful for receiving this prestigious award,” Cook said.
“I couldn’t be happier, but really it’s a whole team effort. The credit really goes to our entire offense — we have great receivers who get open, quality running backs who fight for yards, and a great offensive line that protects me and allows us to be successful. Everyone on the offense puts us in a situation to win games.”
Cook is just the second Big Ten quarterback, Wisconsin’s Scott Tolzien in 2010 being the first, to win the award. He will be presented the trophy on Friday, Dec. 11 at the Embassy Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel & The Grand.
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“Most importantly, he has been an outstanding game manager and leader. Connor is consistently playing at a high level, and he gives us a chance to win every game.”
