Trace McSorley Named Maxwell Award Semifinalist

Every year since 1937 the Maxwell Football Club has presented the Maxwell Award to the best all-around college football player in the country. On Monday, 20 semifinalists for the award were announced and Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley made the cut.

While McSorley’s passing numbers are down some this season, thanks in large part due to drops by his receiving corps, he has taken his rushing attack to a new level. McSorley has already rushed for a career high 617 yards this season, and his nine rushing touchdowns are just two shy of his career high of 11. He has also produced the three best single game rushing efforts of his career.

Despite the issue with receiver drops, it’s not like McSorley has been bad in the passing game. He still carries a 125.6 passer rating and a 12:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio this season.

Penn State has a long history with the Maxwell Award. Both Penn State and Notre Dame have had seven former winners, the most of any school in the country. The last Nittany Lions to capture the Maxwell Award was Larry Johnson in 2002 when he was also a Heisman finalist.

Three finalists for the award will be announced on November 19th. The award will be presented as part of the College Football Awards Show on ESPN on December 6th.