Quarterbacks Earn Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 15 Spots

Rocco Becht of Penn State and Demond Williams Jr. of Washington were named among the 15 quarterbacks selected for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award list, which recognizes upperclassman quarterbacks for performance, character and academics. The selections were announced Thursday.

According to the Penn State Collegian, Becht has thrown for 1,108 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions through five games. The former Iowa State quarterback entered the season as the winningest returning quarterback in college football and has 29 career victories.

Sports Yahoo reported that Williams has completed 67.5% of his passes for 1,327 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He has also rushed for 191 yards and two scores on 53 carries, while ranking 21st nationally in passing yards.

The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award organization described the honor as recognizing quarterbacks who demonstrate excellence on and off the field.

"Recognized quarterbacks who demonstrate excellence both on and off the field," said the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in its description of the honor.

Williams, a third-year Washington quarterback and second-year full-time starter, has faced challenges during Big Ten play. According to Sports Yahoo, he completed 61% of his passes for 437 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in losses to Minnesota and Southern California, while adding 41 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Washington safety Jeremiah Cooper described the team's defensive reaction after a recent game as intense, according to the Penn State Collegian.

"Disgusted," said Jeremiah Cooper, Washington safety.

Cooper also expressed another part of the defense's reaction following the game, according to the Penn State Collegian.

"Sick," said Jeremiah Cooper, Washington safety.

The other quarterbacks named to the award's Top 15 list include CJ Carr, Devon Dampier, Noah Fifita, Kevin Jennings, Avery Johnson, Sam Leavitt, Jayden Maiava, Arch Manning, Drew Mestemaker, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, Gunner Stockton and Conner Weigman. Finalists will be announced later this season, with the winner honored at a ceremony on Dec. 9.