Marcus Mariota put up nearly flawless numbers this season in leading Oregon to a spot in the first College Football Playoff.
At the College Football Awards Show on Thursday night, he went a perfect 3 for 3.
Mariota opened the night by winning the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, and closed it by claiming the Maxwell Award, given to the college player of the year. In a separate announcement he also was selected the Walter Camp National Player of the Year. Texas Christian University’s Trevone Boykin was a finalist for the award, as was Dak Prescott, quarterback for Mississippi State, Other award winners Thursday were: Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright (Bednarik Award for defensive player of the year), Maryland’s Brad Craddock (Lou Groza Award for nation’s outstanding kicker), Utah’s Tom Hackett (Ray Guy Award for punter of the year), Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Scherff (Outland Trophy for outstanding interior lineman), and Louisville’s Gerod Holliman (Jim Thorpe Award for nation’s best defensive back).
Three other awards were announced prior to the live ceremony. The Rimington Trophy for the nation’s outstanding center went to Auburn’s Reese Dismukes. Florida State’s Nick O’Leary was honored with the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, and Duke’s David Helton won the William V. Campbell Trophy for academic success, football performance and community service.
While Boykin was shut out, TCU coach Gary Patterson was selected the Home Depot Coach of the Year after guiding the Horned Frogs from a 4-8 mark in 2013 to 11-1 this season, falling just short of a spot in the playoff.
“Being outside of the College Football Playoff, I knew my players were disappointed. But we have to be the leaders not only in football, but in America,” Patterson said. “(The Peach Bowl matchup with Ole Miss) is an opportunity one more time to show what we’re made of.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.