Texas Tech University Athletics
Symons Among Seven Finalists for Unitas Award
October 22, 2003 | Football
Oct. 22, 2003
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech quarterback B.J. Symons is among seven finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually to the nation's top senior collegiate quarterback by the Frank Camp Chapter of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation.
Other finalists announced Wednesday include J.P. Losman (Tulane), Eli Manning (Mississippi), Jon Navarre (Michigan), Philip Rivers (North Carolina State), Matt Schaub (Virginia) and Jason White (Oklahoma).
Among the many categories Symons leads the country in include passing yards (3,506), passing yards per game (500.9) and touchdown passes (32). He also has posted the top three passing games in the country this season, including a 661-yard performance against Mississippi. The yardage total against the Rebels ranks as the third-best single-game passing performance in NCAA history.
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 country. The 2003 recipient will be announced Dec. 4, with the award presentation to be made in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 12, at the Galt House East Hotel Grand Ballroom.
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, Johnny Unitas played his collegiate career at the University of Louisville (1951-54), passing for 3,007 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Unitas began his 18-year pro career with the Baltimore Colts in 1956 and played there until joining the San Diego Chargers for his final season. His career passing figures include 2,830-of-5,186 pass attempts for 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns. Among his many records is throwing a touchdown pass in 47-consecutive games.
Past winners of the award include USC's Carson Palmer last year, David Carr (Fresno State, 2001), Chris Weinke (Florida State, 2000), Chris Redman (Louisville, 1999), Gino Torretta (Miami, 1992) and Rodney Peete (USC, 1988).
