College Football Awards 2012: Complete Guide to This Year's Finalists

The Home Depot College Football Awards Show is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 6 on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET. A number of big names are up for key awards this year, with a few surprises scattered in among the three finalists. 

Johnny Manziel has been the rising star in college football, finding his way into the top three for every major award given to a quarterback. Collin Klein is his most notable challenger, looking to fill space in his trophy case after a remarkable senior season. 

There are 10 awards that will have announced winners on Thursday. This is your breakdown of each award finalist and the projected winner. 

John Mackey Award (Tight End)

Finalists Breakdown

Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame: 44 receptions for 624 yards, four TDs

Tyler Eifert has been an integral part of the Notre Dame offensive success this season. He has been a safety valve for Everett Golson, always being in the right lane when he needs to be.

Eifert was expected to be a key piece this year, but he has exceeded expectations. On third down, he has been unstoppable. He was as important to the Notre Dame offense as linebacker Manti Te’o was to the defense this fall. 

Zach Ertz, Stanford: 66 receptions for 837 yards, six TDs

Zach Ertz has been big for Stanford this fall. He has three games with over 100 yards, and he scored in six of 13 games this fall. Ertz was a big support valve for the Stanford quarterbacks all season.

He finished the season as the Cardinal’s leading receiver, and he turned in his biggest performance of the year against Oregon. He finished the game with 11 catches for 106 yards and one touchdown. 

Without his performance, the Cardinal fail to seal the Pac-12 title. 

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington: 63 receptions for 791 yards, six TDs

It wasn’t the best season for the Huskies this year, but if not for the efforts of Austin Seferian-Jenkins, they would likely miss the bowl season.

Against California, Seferian-Jenkins was able to pull down eight catches for 154 yards and one touchdown. His effort was what made the difference in a 21-13 win over the Bears. His performance kept Washington in a pile of games this fall. 

Projected Winner: Zach Ertz, Stanford Cardinal 

Ray Guy Award (Punter)

Finalists Breakdown

Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech: 45 punts, 48-yard average, 2,162 total yards, Long of 85

Ryan Allen has been the most consistent deep punter in the game this year. He had three games with punts longer than 60 yards, and eight games with punts of 55 or better. 

His average leads the country, with his big leg contributing to a number of big wins for the Bulldogs. 

Kyle Christy, Florida: 62 punts, 46.1 yard average, 2,858 total yards, Long of 62

The Florida Gators have struggled on offense this season, but they have managed to march to an 11-win season and BCS bowl berth. A major part of their success has come from winning the battle for field position. 

Kyle Christy has been huge for the Gators, consistently averaging over 45 yards per punt this year. He finished the season with an average of 46.1 and saw his biggest games come in huge wins over LSU and South Carolina. 

Scott Kovanda, Ball State: 44 punts, 40.2 yard average, 1,767 total yards, Long of 56

Scott Kovanda has been one of the best punters in the MAC this season, but his inconsistencies week by week will keep him from winning the Ray Guy Award this fall. 

He averaged 40 yards or better in five games this fall and finished with a long of 56. His best game came against Clemson when he punted five times, averaging 50.2 yards per punt. 

Projected Winner: Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Outland Trophy (Interior Lineman)

Finalists Breakdown

Barrett Jones, Alabama

Barrett Jones has been the centerpiece of what has been considered the best offensive line in the country this year. Jones finished his junior year as the Outland Trophy winner and first-team All-American selection. 

He is heading in the same direction this fall. Alabama is averaging 224.62 rushing yards per game, making them the No. 20 rushing attack in the country. The ground game has relied on an inexperienced junior and a true freshman. 

Without Jones’ leadership upfront, the Tide are far less successful on the ground. 

Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

Luke Joeckel has been a part of a magical season at Texas A&M. He is only a junior, but he is the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in this year’s draft, according to CBSSports.com. 

He has assisted Johnny Manziel in becoming a household name, helping pave the way for the Aggies to rush for 235.08 yards per game this fall. That places the Aggies at No. 13 in the country. 

Joeckel has anchored the effort that has made rushing lanes appear for this Texas A&M squad. 

Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina

The Tar Heels finished the season at 8-4, with its offense leading the way to a number of wins. The Tar Heels finished the year averaging 193.83 rushing yards per game and 291.75 passing yards per game. 

The offensive line only gave up .92 sacks a game, placing them at No. 12 in the country in sacks allowed. Jonathan Cooper has been a leader from the inside helping to keep Bryn Renner on his feet and able to make plays. 

He is projected to be a first-round draft selection, according to CBSSports.com.

Projected Winner: Barrett Jones, Alabama Crimson Tide

Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award

Finalists Breakdown

Dustin Hopkins, Florida State: 24-of-28 FGs, Long of 56; 61-of-62 XP

Hopkins was clutch for Florida State in a number of games this fall, knocking down four field goals against Miami, and two in a close win over Virginia Tech. He also managed to hit a 52-yarder against the Hokies. 

Even in losses to Florida and N.C. State, Hopkins was effective, going 5-of-5 in those games with a long of 53. 

Cairo Santos, Tulane: 21-of-21 FGs, Long of 57, 26-of-27 XP

Cairo Santos has been the most accurate kicker in the country this season, finishing the year without missing a field goal. He had a long of 57 and attempted kicks in 11 of 12 games this season.

He had eight games with two or more field goals, and two games with three. 

Caleb Sturgis, Florida: 23-of-27 FGs, Long of 51, 32-of-33 XP

Sturgis has been a solid contributor for Florida for three seasons, putting together his best performance this year. He finished the year with his highest career field-goal percentage (85.2) and scored 101 points for the Florida offense. 

If not for the effort of Caleb Sturgis the Georgia game would have ended in a route for the Gators. His three field goals accounted for the only points in the game for Florida. 

Projected Winner: Cairo Santos, Tulane Green Wave

Chuck Bednarik Award

Finalists Breakdown

Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina: 50 total tackles, 37 solo, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks

Jadeveon Clowney has become the most dangerous defensive end in the game in just two short seasons. The sophomore end is explosive in pass rush and effective at sealing the outside against the run. 

The Gamecocks have one of the best defenses in the country thanks to line play. Clowney anchors that show-stopping effort. He is No. 2 in the country in tackles for loss and sacks. 

Jarvis Jones, Georgia: 77 total tackles, 47 solo, 22.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, one interception

Jarvis Jones has been the anchor for a very productive Georgia defense this fall, leading the country in tackles for loss.

He has battled through injuries at times this fall, but he has been unstoppable when he has made it onto the field. He is only a junior, but is projected as a first-round draft selection by CBSSpports.com. 

Manti Te'o, Notre Dame: 103 tackles, 52 solo, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven INTs

Manti Te’o has become the face of the undefeated Fighting Irish with his explosive play leading the Notre Dame defense. He flies around the football and helps raise the play of his fellow defenders. 

Te’o is one of three Heisman finalists and could finish as only the second defensive winner in Heisman history. 

Projected Winner: Jarvis Jones, Georgia Bulldogs 

Biletnikoff Award

Finalists Breakdown

Stedman Bailey, West Virginia: 106 receptions for 1,501 yards, 23 TDs

Stedman Bailey was a consistent performer for the Mountaineers in all 12 games this fall. He helped West Virginia achieve seven wins and almost helped them steal away a few more. 

Bailey finished five games with 10 or more catches, and he had six games with over 100 yards receiving. In three games he finished with over 200 yards. Without Bailey, Geno Smith has a mediocre year. 

Marqise Lee, USC: 112 receptions for 1,680 yards, 14 TDs

Marqise Lee was expected to fill a seat in New York for the Heisman presentation, but he did not get a nod as a finalist when the list was released on Monday. 

Instead, the Biletnikoff may have to suffice. Lee was key to the Trojans success this season, finishing eight games with over 100 yards. He caught touchdown passes in nine games, with four games bringing multiple scores.

Terrance Williams, Baylor: 95 receptions for 1,764 yards, 12 TDs

Terrance Williams has been overshadowed at Baylor this fall by the more nationally recognized names, but his season has been very impressive. He had eight games with over 100 yards receiving, and he hauled in over 300 against West Virginia. 

Williams finished the season with 10 catches in four games, and no fewer than three receptions in any game this fall. His highest output came against West Virginia when he caught 17 passes. 

Projected Winner: Marqise Lee, USC Trojans 

Jim Thorpe Award (Defensive Back)

Finalists Breakdown

Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State: 59 total tackles, 37 solo, four INTs, seven pass breakups

Johnthan Banks has anchored the Mississippi State defense and is considered one of the top lockdown corners in the SEC. 

Banks is a versatile corner that is very effective against the run and pass. He was a solid performer to start the year, but his performance dropped a bit late in the season. He still finished the year with a sack full of tackles and pass breakups. 

Dee Milliner, Alabama: 51 total tackles, 33 solo, two INTs, 18 pass breakups

Dee Milliner is a sizable corner standing at 6’1” and weighing right at 200 pounds. His size helps him jam receivers and battle for inside position on every play. 

His 18 pass breakups are impressive, as are his 33 solo tackles. He was also in on a blocked kick earlier this year. 

Phillip Thomas, Fresno State: 82 total tackles, 64 solo tackles, eight INTs, four pass breakups, four sacks

Phillip Thomas has been a do-it-all type defender for Fresno State. He has been a successful on an island against top receivers and is physical enough to play in the backfield of opposing teams. 

His eight interceptions are a high mark, but his four sacks is a far more impressive stat line.

Projected Winner: Phillip Thomas, Fresno State Bulldogs

Doak Walker Award (Running Back)

Finalists Breakdown

Montee Ball, Wisconsin: 332 carries for 1,730 yards, 21 TDs

Montee Ball started the year as a Heisman watch-lister, but after a few mediocre performances, he fell from the top of the list. Despite facing inconsistencies this year and finishing two games under 50 yards, Ball has managed to put together another impressive season. 

Ball was able to set the NCAA record for career rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns in 2012. 

Kenjon Barner, Oregon: 248 carries for 1,624 yards, 21 TDs; 19 receptions for 232 yards, 1 TD

Kenjon Barner is likely the fastest player in the FBS currently, blazing past opponents on a weekly basis. His best performance of the year came against rival USC when he rushed 38 times for 321 yards and five touchdowns.

Barner has also been very effective in the passing game, helping freshman Marcus Mariota settle into his starting quarterback role by having a solid safety valve from the backfield.

Johnathan Franklin, UCLA: 268 carries for 1,700 yards, 13 TDs; 32 receptions for 319 yards, two TDs

UCLA burst onto the scene this fall with Jim Mora Jr. finding offensive success in his first season guiding the team. 

The Bruins utilized a freshman quarterback all year, but if not for senior running back Johnathan Franklin, UCLA would have struggled to find consistent offensive success. Franklin was a do-it-all guy for the Bruins, making an impact on the ground and through the air. 

Projected Winner: Johnathan Franklin, UCLA Bruins

Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award

Finalists Breakdown

Collin Klein, Kansas State: 180-of-272 for 2,495 yards, 15 TDs, seven INTs; 194 carries for 895 yards, 22 TDs

Collin Klein is the lone upperclassman on this list, but being a senior is hardly an advantage. What is advantageous for Klein is the way that he has been able to win games for the Wildcats on a consistent basis. 

The Wildcats did make it to No.1 this season and will finish the year in a BCS bowl. Without Klein, those accomplishments don’t happen. He has been a consistent threat for Kansas State, rarely playing his team out of wins.  

Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M: 273-of-400 for 3,419 yards, 24 TDs, eight INTs; 184 carries for 1,181 yards, 19 TDs

Johnny Manziel has taken the country over with his electric play and amazing athleticism. Manziel is the leader for the Heisman and helped Texas A&M smoothly transition into the SEC Western Division—what is typically considered to be the toughest division in college football. 

The Aggies did drop two games this year with Manziel handing one loss to LSU, but his overall performance has been nothing short of award-winning. Manziel has a bright future ahead, but the here and now is almost unbelievable. 

Braxton Miller, Ohio State: 148-of-254 for 2,039 yards, 15 TDs, six INTs; 227 carries for 1,271 yards, 13 TDs

Braxton Miller took a deflated Ohio State team and turned them into an undefeated squad under the leadership of Urban Meyer. Miller struggled with accuracy at times this season, but his overall performance was indicative of a Meyer quarterback.

Miller will be a key driver in the future of this Buckeyes program as they return to bowl competition in 2013. 

Projected Winner: Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M Aggies

Maxwell Award

Finalists Breakdown

Collin Klein, Kansas State: 180-of-272 for 2,495 yards, 15 TDs, seven INTs; 194 carries for 895 yards, 22 TDs

Collin Klein has a strong argument for the Maxwell Award this year, guiding the Wildcats to an 11-win season and Big 12 title. 

He was Kansas State’s second leading rusher and is a Heisman Trophy finalist. 

Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M: 273-of-400 for 3,419 yards, 24 TDs, eight INTs; 184 carries for 1,181 yards, 19 TDs

Johnny Manziel rewrote the record books in his first year in College Station. He became known as "Johnny Football," storming onto the national scene in a 58-10 throttling of Arkansas.

He is a Heisman finalist and the expected winner of the nation’s top award. 

Manti Te'o, Notre Dame: 103 tackles, 52 solo, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven INTs

Manti Te’o has been the driving force behind the Notre Dame defense this fall. His leadership both on and off the field is respected by teammates and coaches. 

He battled personal tragedy this fall and put together one of the best overall performances from a linebacker in Fighting Irish history. 

Projected Winner: Manti Te’o, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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