Ohio State junior quarterback Justin Fields was named a semifinalist for both the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell awards on Monday afternoon.
A former five-star prospect from Kennesaw (Ga.) Harrison, Fields has thrown for 1,407 yards and 15 touchdowns compared the just three interceptions this season. He’s also rushed for 239 yards and five scores to lead the Buckeyes to a 5-0 start.
Fields paces the Big Ten in passing efficiency (196.1), passing yards per game (281.4), completion percentage (78.1) and yards per attempt (10.3). His completion percentage also leads all Football Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks, while his passer rating ranks fourth nationally.
Last season, Fields was a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, which honors the nation’s best quarterback. Troy Smith (2006) is the only player in Ohio State history to win the award.
Fields was also already a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, which is presented annually to the best all-around player in the country. The Buckeyes have had four previous winners of the award, including Howard “Hopalong” Cassady in 1955, Bob Ferguson in 1961, Archie Griffin in 1975 and Eddie George in 1995.
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