Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald was the big winner of this week’s awards circuit. The ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year collected the Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, Nagurski Trophy and Outland Trophy. Somehow though, Donald is not one fo the six finalists for the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented Saturday in New York. How a player so dominant and decorated on the defensive side of the football misses out on a trip to New York when six finalists are extended an invitation is beyond comprehension.
The likely Heisman Trophy winner, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, received a handful of honors as well. Winston was named the Walter Camp Player fo the Year and Davey O’Brien Award winner.Winston was one of three Florida State players to win an award, with Bryan Stork winning the Rimington Trophy for best center and kicker Roberto Aguay0 winning the Lou Groza Award.
Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, another Heisman finalist, was named the Maxwell Award winner. Boston College running back Andre Williams, also on his way to New York for the Heisman festivities, was named the Doak Walker Award winner.
Here is a rundown of the awards presented or acknowledged Thursday night in Orlando at the annual college football awards show.
Maxwell Award (Player of the Year)
AJ McCarron, Alabama
Walter Camp Player of the Year
Jameis Winston, Florida State
Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year)
Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
Bronko Nagurski Award (Nation’s Outstanding Defensive Player)
Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
Rotary Lombardi Award (Nation’s Outstanding Lineman)
Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
Davey O’Brien Award (Nation’s Best Quarterback)
Jameis Winston, Florida State
Doak Walker Award (Best Running Back)
Andre Williams (Boston College)
Biletnikoff Award (Best Wide Receiver)
Brandin Cooks, Orgeon State
John Mackey Award (Best Tight End)
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington
Outland Trophy (Most Outstanding Interior Lineman)
Aaron Doanld, Pittsburgh
Rimington Trophy (Best Center)
Bryan Stork, Florida State
Jim Thorpe Award (Best Defensive Back)
Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
Lou Groza Award (Best Kicker)
Roberto Aguayo, Florida State
Ray Guy (Best Punter)
Tom Hornsey, Memphis
William V. Campbell Trophy (Academic Success)
John Urschel, Penn State
Gus Malzahn, Auburn
Frank Broyles Award (Top Assistant Coach)
Pat Narduzzi, Michigan State defensive coordinator
NCFAA Contributions to College Football Award
John Gagliardi
Disney Spirit Award
Devon Walker, Tulane