Ricky Dobbs scores a touchdown against Delaware in the second half of Navy's 35-18 win over the Blue Hens. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs has been named to the watch list for the Davy O’Brien National Quarterback Award, which is given to college football’s top quarterback each year.
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy won last year and this year’s list includes 2009 finalist Case Keenum of Houston as well as 2009 semifinalists Matt Barkley of USC, Jacory Harris of Miami, Jake Locker of Washington, Kellen Moore of Boise State and Ricky Stanzi of Iowa.
Dobbs lit up the scoreboard last year, breaking the record for rushing touchdowns scored by a quarterback in one season with 24 in the regular season and another three in the Texas Bowl. He led the Midshipmen to a 10-win season, including a win over Missouri in the Texas Bowl.
Dobs is a unique entry on the O’Brien list because he is not the classic drop-back passer. Last year, he rushed and passed for over 1,000 yards. He has an arm. In fact, he was more of a drop back passer in high school. Against Ohio State in the season opener he threw for 156 awards, including an 85-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Curry.
I’d say Locker and Moore have to be the favorites going into this year. Draft experts expect Locker and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck to battle to be next year’s No. 1 overall pick. Meanwhile, Moore returns to a Boise State team that returns almost every starter on an offense that led them to an undefeated season last year. Dobbs’ campaign for the O’Brien award starts at 4 p.m. on Labor Day on ESPN against the Maryland Terrapins. It’s a national stage against a team that won only two games last year.
