Story Links
Aug. 27, 2003
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Virginia quarterback Matt Schaub (West Chester, Pa.) is one of 26 candidates for the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Frank Camp Chapter of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation announced on Wednesday.
Established in 1987, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is given annually to the nation’s top senior college quarterback. USC quarterback Carson Palmer won the award last season.
The award’s namesake was an 18-year veteran of the NFL after playing at the University of Louisville. Honored by the NFL as the greatest quarterback of all-time, Unitas participated in the Pro Bowl 10 times and was a three-time Most Valuable Player honoree. Inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1979, he holds a record that may stand forever, throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.
The nation’s top senior quarterback will be selected for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award from a list compiled by a select committee of football experts from across the United States. Five semifinalists will be announced on Oct. 22.
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award recipient will be announced on Dec. 4, with the award presentation to be made in Louisville on Dec. 12 at the Galt House East Hotel Grand Ballroom.
Schaub, the 2002 ACC Player of the Year and First-Team All-ACC honoree, set or tied as many as 10 single-season records and led the conference with 28 touchdown passes last fall. He is considered the nation’s top returning quarterback for 2003 after finishing second nationally in completion percentage (68.9) and sixth nationally in efficiency (147.5) as a junior. He is also on the watch list for the Davey O’Brien Award.
A 2003 Heisman Trophy candidate, fans and media can access the latest press releases, statistics, and fun facts about the Cavalier senior through his website at: Schaub4Heisman.com.
Virginia kicks off the 2003 season on Saturday, Aug. 30 with Duke at 7 p.m. at the Carl Smith Center, home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium.