The Big 12 may get the recognition nationally for its prowess in the passing game, but its another conference more than any other that’s caught the eye of a major quarterbacking award.
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award released its revamped list Thursday, and the ACC topped all conferences with five of the 15 players named. The original Unitas preseason watch list had consisted of 15 players.
The Big 12, of course, was well represented as well, placing four players on the list. The SEC was the only other conference with more than one player, coming in with three.
Just one player from this year’s group of semifinalists -- Oklahoma’s Landry Jones -- was a finalist for the award last season. The five finalists for the 2012 award will be announced in mid-November, while the award will be presented in early December.
Matt Barkley, USC
Tajh Boyd, Clemson
Nick Florence, Baylor
Mike Glennon, NC State
Landry Jones, Oklahoma
Collin Klein, Kansas State
EJ Manuel, Florida State
AJ McCarron, Alabama
Aaron Murray, Georgia
Bryn Renner, North Carolina
Denard Robinson, Michigan
Geno Smith, West Virginia
Tyler Tettleton, Ohio
Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech
Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
