Arizona’s Khalil Tate a semifinalist for Davey O’Brien quarterback honor
Nov 15, 2017, 11:08 AM
Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate, left, is pressured by California linebacker Raymond Davison III during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. Arizona won 45-44 in overtime. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Khalil Tate is one of five semifinalists who didn’t appear on the preseason watch list for the Davey O’Brien Award given to the nation’s top quarterback.
The Davey O’Brien committee’s ballots were counted and 5 percent of the foundation’s fan voting was tabulated for the semifinalists to be named Wednesday.
Sixteen semifinalists were chosen.
Tate is one of four sophomores on the list and gained momentum by leading Arizona to a spotless record in October.
The dual-threat quarterback has 1,293 rushing yards on 111 attempts for 11.6 yards per carry, including 11 scores on the ground. He has also completed 60-of-98 passes (61 percent) for 930 yards, eight touchdowns and six picks.
With Arizona holding a 7-3 record despite Tate not starting the first five games of the season, he is also gaining Heisman hype and is listed as ESPN’s No. 3 candidate in the race for the most coveted college football award.
Two weeks ago, Tate was also named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, given to college football’s player of the year.
The other 15 finalists for the Davey O’Brien honor include: J.T. Barrett (Ohio State), Jake Browning (Washington), Kelly Bryant (Clemson), Sam Darnold (USC), Luke Falk (Washington State), Riley Ferguson (Memphis), Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State), Will Grier (West Virginia), Kenny Hill (TCU), Jalen Hurts (Alabama), Lamar Jackson (Louisville), Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma), Trace McSorley (Penn State), McKenzie Milton (UCF) and Mason Rudolph (Oklahoma State).
