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Cutler Named Finalist for Unitas Award 10/19/2005 LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler was named as a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually to the nation’s top senior collegiate quarterback, the sponsoring organization announced Wednesday. Cutler, the all-time Vanderbilt leader in touchdown passes and total offense, was one of seven quarterbacks named by the Frank Camp Chapter of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation. Cutler, from Santa Claus, Ind., is joined by SEC signal callers Brodie Croyle of Alabama and D.J. Shockley of Georgia, 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart of Southern California, Brett Basanez of Northwestern, Kellen Clemens of Oregon and Drew Olson of UCLA. Cutler, who helped guide the Commodore to four straight wins to open the 2005 season, is the first Vanderbilt signal caller named as a Unitas Golden Arm Award finalist since the recognition nearly two decades ago. Cutler, who will start his 37th consecutive game for the Commodores when they travel to South Carolina this Saturday, owns numerous Vanderbilt school records, including career touchdown passes (46), career combined touchdowns (63) and total offense (8,491 yards). Cutler ranks second in several other Commodore statistical categories, including career passing yards (7,287), career completions (589) and career best attempts (1,046). He also has the most career starts (41) of any Commodore quarterback. The nation’s top senior quarterback is selected for the award from a list compiled by a select committee of football experts from across the United States. The 2005 recipient will be announced Nov. 30, with the award presentation to be made Dec. 9 in Louisville. Notable past winners of the award, captured by Oklahoma’s Jason White in 2004, are Charlie Ward of Florida State, 1993; Jay Barker of Alabama, 1994; Danny Wuerffel of Florida, 1996; Peyton Manning of Tennessee, 1997; and Eli Manning of Ole Miss, 2003. In addition to honoring a player with the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Frank Camp Chapter of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to deserving scholar athletes from area high schools. The foundation also honors participants in six local youth leagues. The namesake of the award has a storied history which has earned him the recognition of being the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL. An 18-year veteran of the NFL, Unitas played his collegiate career at the University of Louisville (1951-54), passing for 3,007 yards and 27 touchdowns. Unitas, who played most of his career with the Baltimore Colts, is considered by many as the greatest quarterback in the history of professional football. |
