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Oregon QB Marcus Mariota big winner at awards show; Vandals’ Austin Rehkow denied

Oregon’s Marcus Mariota stands with his trophy after being awarded the Davey O
Oregon’s Marcus Mariota stands with his trophy after being awarded the Davey O'Brien Award for the nation’s top quarterback. (Associated Press)
Kyle Hightower Associated Press

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Marcus Mariota put up nearly flawless numbers this season in leading Oregon to a spot in the first College Football Playoff.

At the College Football Awards Show on Thursday night, he went a perfect 3 for 3.

Mariota opened the night by winning the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, and closed it by claiming the Maxwell Award, given to the college player of the year.

In a separate announcement he also was selected the Walter Camp National Player of the Year.

“It’s surreal. It’s surreal. It really all is,” Mariota said. “Growing up as a kid you always kind of see these award shows. To say that I’m a part of really this fraternity … it’s really just a blessing.”

Already considered the front-runner to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, he hopes to become the first player to win the Maxwell Award and Heisman in the same season since Auburn quarterback Cam Newton in 2010.

Some recent history is on Mariota’s side. Four straight winners of the Davey O’Brien award have gone on to win the Heisman.

Both of the other Heisman finalists who will join Mariota in New York also left with hardware.

Amari Cooper became the first Alabama player to win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s outstanding receiver. Melvin Gordon became the third Wisconsin player to win the Doak Walker Award given to the top running back in the country.

Gordon said Wednesday he will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft. He said he thinks he already has accomplished what he set out to do this year.

Other award winners were: Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright (Bednarik Award for defensive player of the year), Maryland’s Brad Craddock (Lou Groza Award for nation’s outstanding kicker), Utah’s Tom Hackett (Ray Guy Award for punter of the year), Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Scherff (Outland Trophy for outstanding interior lineman), and Louisville’s Gerod Holliman (Jim Thorpe Award for nation’s best defensive back).

Idaho Vandals sophomore Austin Rehkow (Central Valley High) was one of three finalists for the Ray Guy Award.

Three other awards were announced prior to the live ceremony. The Rimington Trophy for the nation’s outstanding center went to Auburn’s Reese Dismukes. Florida State’s Nick O’Leary was honored with the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, and Duke’s David Helton won the William V. Campbell Trophy for academic success, football performance and community service.

TCU coach Gary Patterson was selected the Home Depot Coach of the Year after guiding the Horned Frogs from a 4-8 mark in 2013 to 11-1 this season.