After already experiencing aftershocks of awards in the wake of last season, Ball State University's football program received another award Tuesday.
Junior quarterback Nate Davis was placed on the Maxwell Award Watch List with 75 other collegiate football players, along with Mid-American Conference peers Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan and Eugene Jarvis of Kent State. The Maxwell Award has been presented to the most outstanding collegiate football player in the country since 1937. Former Arkansas running back Darren McFadden - the fourth-overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2008 NFL Draft - was the award recipient last season.
Cardinals coach Brady Hoke, who was an assistant coach at Michigan when former Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson won the award in 1997, heard about Davis' selection Wednesday morning and said it's a great honor for Davis, as well as the program.
"It's a great com pliment to him and what he's accomplished," Hoke said. "But as much as it is an accomplishment to him, it's also a compliment for his teammates and to the program. I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you his teammates are a part of every award he has - it's a team game."
Davis was unavailable for comment Wednesday. He is the third Ball State player selected to a national award watch list, along with offensive tackle Robert Brewster and punter Chris Miller.
Aside from leading the Cardinals to their first bowl appearance since 1996, Davis also added to an already record-breaking career at Ball State. As a sophomore, Davis set single-season records with 3,667 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. He also completed 270 of his 478 passes - both of which were school bests - for a 56.5 completion percentage.
Despite breaking numerous Ball State records, Hoke said he wasn't expecting to see his star quarterback's name on the Maxwell watch list.
"I think it's one of those pleasant surprises," Hoke said. "I don't know the process of how they're nominated, but you're obviously thrilled for the young man and thrilled for the program."
The Maxwell Award is given by the Maxwell Football Club's Selection Committee, which is comprised of the club's members, sports information directors, head coaches and selected national media members. The Committee will narrow the field to a group of semifinalists Nov. 25.
Until that time, Hoke said, the MAC should be pleased with being represented with three players on the watch list.
"I think that's something the MAC has to be very pleased about," Hoke said. "Those three young men have proved themselves to be worthy, and it's a huge honor for those guys to be nominated with some of the other great players in college football."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
