2012 Davey O'Brien Award Watch List: Dual-Threat QBs Shine for Big Ten

The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award (seriously, that's the name they use) released its annual preseason watch list on Wednesday. All in all, there are 34 quarterbacks on the list, including seven 2011 semifinalists (only one of whom, Denard Robinson, plays in the Big Ten).

The field of candidates doesn't look quite as loaded as it did last year, but it's still probably going to be a tough year for the Big Ten to be represented here at the end of the season.

The full list of candidates is here, and here are the five players the Big Ten put on the list this year:

• Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
• Braxton Miller, Ohio State
• Denard Robinson, Michigan
• Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois
• James Vandenberg, Iowa

CONTENDERS

Denard Robinson, Michigan

Robinson is obviously the Big Ten's top signal-caller at this point, and his last shot at team success will provide no shortage of media attention and opportunities for high-profile performances. The flip side is if Robinson struggles as badly away from home as he did last year, but all indications are that he is maturing as a leader and a passer. If that's true, look out; he could be this year's RG3, but with better rushing numbers. 

Taylor Martinez, Nebraska

No, seriously, Martinez is a contender. It's contingent on a pretty large "if"—specifically, if Nebraska can make the Big Ten Championship Game, or even win it outright. But just about everyone on that watch list not named Matt Barkley is under the same constraints of success. So if Nebraska takes that next step, doubtlessly Martinez will be an integral part of that success, and he's already enough of a highlight-reel player that voters will definitely be paying attention. 

PRETENDERS

Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois

We like Scheelhaase's skill set around here, but the fact is Scheelhaase struggled mightily down the stretch in 2011, was unimpressive in the spring game, and is only the starter "for now" over Reilly O'Toole, who figures to get some playing time in Tim Beckman's new offense as well. If Scheelhaase wins that battle he should put up decent numbers, but the flip side of that "if" is a long way away from O'Brien Award recognition.

THE FORGOTTEN

Danny O'Brien, Wisconsin

C'mon. "Danny O'Brien" sounds like Davey O'Brien's twin brother. How can he not be on the watch list? But seriously, O'Brien's surrounded by probably the best overall offense in the Big Ten and he's got no shortage of talent on his own. It's fair to expect more from O'Brien than, say, Scheelhaase, no?

Andrew Maxwell, Michigan State

One one hand, it sort of makes sense that Maxwell's not on this list; he hasn't started a game for Michigan State and that is Le'Veon Bell's offense until further notice. But by the end of the season, Maxwell should be a major asset for the Spartans, who look to have a strong chance to go back to the Big Ten Championship Game. If he's efficient and puts up even 200 yards a game, Maxwell might get some semifinalist love from the O'Brien Award.