Kellen Clemens Finalis for Unitas Award

EUGENE – University of Oregon quarterback Kellen Clemens was one seven quarterbacks in the country selected as finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually to the nation’s top senior collegiate quarterback.

The Burns, Ore., senior was initially one of 22 candidates identified as pre-season candidates for the award, which is sponsored by the Frank Camp Chapter of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation.

Clemens joins Northwestern’s Brett Basanez, Brodie Croyle of Alabama, Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt, USC’s Matt Leinart, UCLA’s Drew Olson and D.J. Shockley of Georgia as finalists for the award. It is named after the 18-year NFL veteran, who was selected as the top quarterback of all time by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The third-year starter is in the midst of his best season to date, while guiding the Ducks to a 6-1 record. In addition to threatening a countless number of school records, Clemens has ascended to fourth in the country (No. 1 in the Pac-10) in total offense (346.7 avg.), as well as second nationally in passing yards (2,219 yards) and tied for fifth in touchdown passes (18).

The 2005 recipient will be announced Nov. 30, with the award presentation to be made in Louisville, Ky., on Dec. 9.