Kansas State QB Collin Klein Wins 2012 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

Kansas State’s Collin Klein has won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is given every year to the top senior or fourth-year junior quarterback in college football. 

ESPN's David Ubben has the latest:

"

Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award, his first national award of the season...

...'Collin is not just a tremendous athlete and leader on the field, but an MVP off the field as well, who repeatedly has been recognized for his numerous contributions to the community and to the spirit of sportsmanship,' said John C. Unitas Jr., president of The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation.

"

Klein faced stiff competition for the award and beat out USC’s Matt Barkley, Florida State’s E.J. Manuel, Alabama’s A.J. McCarron and West Virginia’s Geno Smith. But there is still little surprise that the Wildcats signal-caller was given this honor.

The award with which Klein’s name has been most often mentioned with is the Heisman Trophy. The winner for college football’s most prestigious honor will be announced on December 8.

Klein is in contention after leading Kansas State to a 11-1 record.

Opposing defenses struggled to slow him down due to his ability to be effective both on the ground and through the air. 

He has completed 66.2 percent of his passes this year for 2,490 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Klein also carried the ball 194 times for 890 yards and 22 touchdowns. 

The senior provided leadership for his team throughout the season, and the Wildcats have wildly exceeded expectations. KSU was an afterthought at the start of the year and was ranked 22nd in the AP preseason poll.

But Klein had them atop the BCS standings before a disappointing loss to Baylor. Despite the upset, his final season with the Wildcats has been remarkably successful.

Now, he has a piece of hardware to commemorate his accomplishments this year, and it may not be the last trophy that he is awarded for his exploits.