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CLEMSON FRESHMAN QB TREVOR LAWRENCE WINS 2018 ARCHIE GRIFFIN AWARD

Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence (Cartersville, GA), who led the Clemson Tigers to a perfect 15-0 season and the College Football National Championship, has been named the winner of the 2018 Archie Griffin Award presented by The Touchdown Club of Columbus.  The award, named for the Ohio State football legend and only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, is the only nationally recognized award presented at the conclusion of the entire season including bowl games and playoffs, and represents college football’s Most Valuable Player.  Despite not starting at quarterback until the fifth game of the season, Lawrence completed 65% of his pass attempts for 30 touchdowns with only four interceptions.  Trevor was near perfect in the Playoff semi-finals against Notre Dame and earned MVP honors in the Championship Game against Alabama throwing for 347 yards and three touchdowns.

Former Clemson quarterback legend DeShaun Watson claimed the Archie Griffin Award in 2015.  McKenzie Milton (UCF) accepted the award last year and Sam Darnold of USC won the ring in 2016.

Last month, Lawrence was named 2018 Freshman of the Year by the TDC and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney earned the 2018 Woody Hayes Award symbolic of the Touchdown Club of Columbus selection of college football’s coach of the year.  Both Lawrence and Coach Swinney will be honored during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9th at Express Live! 

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TOUCHDOWN CLUB OF COLUMBUS NAMES 2019 PLAYERS TO WATCH

The Touchdown Club of Columbus has released their list of 2019 Players To Watch which includes eight quality running backs and six quarterbacks plus several defensive prospects.   Quarterbacks to watch include Justin Herbert (Oregon),  D’Eriq King (Houston), Jordan Love (Utah State), Kellen Mond (Texas A&M), Brady White (Memphis), and Zachary Wilson (BYU).

Equally exciting should be running backs Eno Benjamin (Arizona State), Isaiah Bowser (Northwestern), J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State), Travis Etienne (Clemson), Mohamed Ibrahim (Minnesota), Jermer Jefferson (Oregon State), Greg McCrae (UCF), and Michael Warren (Cincinnati).

2019 also projects a significant number of quality receivers with Damonte Coxie (Memphis), Jerry Jeudy (Alabama), James Proche (SMU), Justyn Ross (Clemson), Laviska Shenault, Jr. (Colorado), and Tylan Wallace (Oklahoma State).

The defense features linebackers Markus Bailey (Purdue), Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma), Curtis Weaver (Boise State), and David Woodward (Utah State), plus defensive backs/safeties Andre Cisco (Syracuse), and Kenny Robinson (West Virginia).

This exclusive group--which may change due to postseason decisions by student-athletes--has been selected as 2019 Players To Watch and will be introduced during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in downtown Columbus.

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2019 MAC PLAYERS TO WATCH ANNOUNCED BY TOUCHDOWN CLUB OF COLUMBUS

The Touchdown Club of Columbus has named eight MAC Players To Watch for the 2019 season.  Each will be introduced during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in the Arena District.

The list includes quarterbacks Woody Barrett (Kent State), Jarret Doege (Bowling Green), and Kato Nelson (Akron).  Running backs are represented by LeVante Bellamy (Western Michigan), Bryant Koback (Toledo), and Jaret Patterson (Buffalo).  Western Michigan freshman receiver Jayden Reed and Central Michigan defensive end Mike Danna complete the list.

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KENT STATE RECEIVER ANTWAN DIXON NAMED 2018 MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Kent State junior receiver Antwan Dixon (Fort Myers, FL) has been named the 2018 Male Athlete of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Columbus.  Following an impressive freshman campaign in 2015, Dixon was overcome by aplastic anemia--a rare blood disorder--which not only derailed his plans on the field in 2016 and 2017, but nearly claimed his life.  Following a bone marrow transplant, several transfusions, and chemotherapy, Antwan not only returned to the field in 2018, but led the Golden Flashes in receiving with 52 catches for 532 yards.  He also scored the first touchdown of the 2018 season vs. Illinois.

The 2018 Male Athlete of the Year will be introduced during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in the Arena District. 

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CLEMSON QUARTERBACK TREVOR LAWRENCE NAMED 2018 FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

The Touchdown Club of Columbus has named Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (Cartersville, GA) as their selection for College Football's 2018 Freshman of the Year.  Although the 5-star recruit didn't start until the fifth game of the season vs. Syracuse, he completed 65% of his pass attempts for 2606 yards and threw for 24 TDs while being intercepted only four times.  Lawrence becomes the second Tiger to receive the award joining Sammy Watkins who was honored in 2011.

The 2018 Freshman of the Year award will be presented on Saturday evening, February 9, 2019 during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards at Express Live! in downtown Columbus.

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RECORD BREAKING SEASON EARNS OHIO STATE QB DWAYNE HASKINS AN AWARDS SWEEP

Ohio State sophomore quarterback Dwayne Haskins (Potomac, Maryland), who shattered all single-season school passing records, has swept the Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards winning the 2018 Sammy Baugh Award (college football's top passer), the 2018 Kellen Moore Award (nation's best quarterback), and the 2018 Chic Harley Award as the Most Valuable Player.

Haskins led all of college football at any level with 4,580 passing yards and 47 touchdown passes.  He had five 400+ yard games including an amazing performance against Northwestern in the Big 10 Championship Game completing 83% of his passes for 499 yards and five touchdowns.  For the season, Haskins completed 70% of nearly 500 passes and was intercepted only eight times.

And with the Rose Bowl pending, Haskins can still complete the near impossible by winning the 2018 Archie Griffin Award, the only nationally recognized award presented at the conclusion of the bowl season.

The 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards are scheduled for Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in the Arena District.

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SYRACUSE FRESHMAN KICKER ANDRE SZMYT WINS 2018 VLADE AWARD

Syracuse freshman kick Andre Szmyt (Vernon Hills, IL) has been named the winner of the 2018 Vlade Award presented annually by the Touchdown Club of Columbus to college football's most accurate kicker.  The award is named for former Ohio State kicker Vlade Janakievski who was one of the most accurate placekickers in Buckeye football history.  Szmyt established himself quickly as the nation's best nailing 28 of 32 field goal attempts including a perfect 3 for 3 from 50+ yards.  He was perfect on all 57 extra point attempts and led the nation in kick scoring with 141 points (second overall).

The 2018 Vlade Award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in the Arena District.

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December 3, 2018

PURDUE FRESHMAN RECEIVER RONDALE MOORE WINS 2018 PAUL WARFIELD AWARD

Purdue freshman receiver Rondale Moore (New Albany, Indiana) has been named the winner of the 2018 Paul Warfield Award by the Touchdown Club of Columbus.  The award, named for Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Warfield, is presented annually to college football's top receiver.  During the regular season, Moore snared 103 passes for 1164 yards and 12 touchdowns.  He also rushed for 200+ yards and averaged 11.3 yards every time he touched the football.  Rondale is the first freshman to ever win the Warfield Award, and the first Big 10 receiver since Braylon Edwards of Michigan in 2004.  Other past Warfield Award winners include Larry Fitzgerald, Amari Cooper, Calvin Johnson, and Randy Moss.

The 2018 Paul Warfield Award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in downtown Columbus.

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KENTUCKY WILDCAT LINEBACKER JOSH ALLEN WINS 2018 JACK LAMBERT AWARD

Kentucky Wildcat senior linebacker Josh Allen (Montclair, NJ) has been named the winner of the prestigious 2018 Jack Lambert Award presented to college football's top linebacker.  The award, named for Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of famer and Ken State football legend Jack Lambert, is presented annually by the Touchdown Club of Columbus.

The 6'5", 265 pound senior led the Wildcats with 84 tackles including 18.5 for loss.  He finished the regular season second in the nation in sacks with 14 and forced five fumbles.  Allen is the first Wildcat to win the award--which was first presented in 1991--that has been claimed by current NFL stars Khalil Mack, Luke Kuechly, and Von Miller.

The 2018 Jack Lambert Award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in downtown Columbus.

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BAMA DEFENSIVE END QUINNEN WILLIAMS WINS 2018 BILL WILLIS AWARD

Alabama redshirt sophomore defensive end Quinnen Williams (Birmingham, Alabama) has been named the winner of the 2018 Bill Willis Award presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus .  Named for the late Hall of Fame legend Bill Willis--who broke the color barrier for all African-Americans in both college (Ohio State) and professional football (Cleveland Browns)--the award is presented annually to college football's top defensive lineman.  Williams exploded onto the scene in just his second season at Bama recording 66 tackles including eight sacks and 18 tackles for loss.  The 6'4", 290 pound end led the Tide to another SEC Championship while establishing himself as college football's best defensive lineman.  He becomes the first Alabama lineman to ever win the Bill Willis Award which was first presented in 1991.  Past winners include Myles Garrett (Texas A&M), Julius Peppers (North Carolina), Warren Sapp (Miami ), Joey Bosa (Ohio State), and last year's winner Christian Wilkins (Clemson)

The 2018 Bill Willis Award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in downtown Columbus.

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LSU SAFETY GRANT DELPIT WINS 2018 JACK TATUM AWARD

Louisiana State sophomore safety Grant Delpit (Houston, Texas) has been named the winner of the 2018 Jack Tatum Award presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus.  The prestigious award, named for the late Ohio State and NFL legend Jack Tatum, is presented annually to the best defensive back in college football.  Delpit is the second Tiger to claim the award joining 2010 winner Patrick Peterson.  Other recipients include Charles Woodson (Michigan), the late Sean Taylor (Miami), and two-time winner Eric Berry (Tennessee).

The 6'3", 205 pound sophomore recorded 73 total tackles including five sacks in the 2018 regular season.  He intercepted five passes, forced and recovered a fumble, and defended nine passes.

The 2018 Jack Tatum Award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in downtown Columbus.

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HAWKEYE TIGHT END T.J. HOCKENSON WINS 2018 OZZIE NEWSOME AWARD

The Touchdown Club of Columbus has named Iowa redshirt sophomore T.J. Hockenson the winner of the 2018 Ozzie Newsome Award presented annually to college football's best tight end.  During the regular season T.J. grabbed 46 passes for 717 receiving yards and scored seven times.  The 6'6", 250 pound tight end from Chariton, Iowa was named first team All Big 10 and is perhaps the best blocker of all collegiate tight ends.

The 2018 Ozzie Newsome Award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in downtown Columbus.

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December 2, 2018

CLEMSON COACH DABO SWINNEY WINS 2018 WOODY HAYES AWARD

The Touchdown Club of Columbus has named Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney the winner of the 2018 Woody Hayes Award.  Named for immortal Ohio State coaching legend Woody Hayes, the award is presented annually to the College Football Coach of the Year.  Coach Swinney joins coaching greats Bo Schembechler, Tom Osborne, Lou Holtz, and four-time winner Joe Paterno.  Tiger coach Danny Ford won the award in 1981.  Swinney is the first ACC coach to claim the award since Frank Beamer in 1999.

Coach Swinney led the Tigers to their fourth consecutive ACC Championship and another shot at the National Championship with a perfect 13-0 record in 2018.  In late September, he made the decision to enhance the offense by replacing experienced starting quarterback Kelly Bryant with true freshman Trevor Lawrence.  The result was a high octane attack that dominated ACC opponents for the remainder of the season.

The 2018 Woody Hayes Award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

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MEMPHIS JUNIOR RUNNING BACK DARRELL HENDERSON NAMED WINNER OF 2018 JIM BROWN AWARD

Memphis junior Darrell Henderson (Batesville, MS) has been named the winner of the 2018 Jim Brown Award presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus to college football's top running back.  Henderson rushed for 1909 yards in 2018 with 25 total touchdowns (22 on the ground), and averaged nearly nine yards per carry. 

The award, named of course for perhaps the greatest football player ever, has previously been presented to Marshall Faulk (San Diego State), Ladanian Tomlinson (TCU), Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma), and two-time winner Ricky Williams (Texas).

The 2018 Jim Brown Award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday evening, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in the Arena District.

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GIRARD QB MARK WAID WINS 2018 JAMES A. RHODES AWARD

Girard High School senior quarterback Mark Waid has been named the winner of the 2018 James A. Rhodes Award presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus to the Ohio High School Football Player of the Year.  In leading the Indians to the Division IV State Championship game, Waid passed for nearly 4,400 yards with 48 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,775 yards and another 26 scores.  Waid concludes his high school experience with 11,660 passing yards, 4,000 rushing yards, and was responsible for 182 touchdowns.  He intends to continue his student-athlete experience at Youngstown State University upon graduation.

Previous Rhodes Award winners include the great Archie Griffin, Mitch Trubisky, Chris Spielman, the late Korey Stringer, and last year's winner, Northwestern running back Isaiah Bowser.

The 2018 James A. Rhodes Award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in downtown Columbus.

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HALL OF FAMER KATIE SMITH TO RECEIVE 2018 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Hoops star Katie Smith began her lifelong commitment to the sport of basketball in Logan, Ohio leading her high school to the State Championship game and earning National Player of the Year honors.  As a freshman at Ohio State, Katie led the Buckeyes to the NCAA Championship game and in her four years (1992-96) broke all Big 10 scoring records. Katie became the first female athlete at Ohio State to have her number retired.  She finally earned a Championship ring with the Columbus Quest of the ABL, then took her game to the WNBA where she won another Championship with the Detroit Shock, earning MVP honors along the way.  In the off season, Katie took the time to win three gold medals in 2000, 2004, and 2008 playing for the U.S. Olympic Team.  When her playing career concluded in 2013, Katie was the all-time scoring leader in women's professional basketball history.  In 2017, she began a new chapter of her career when she was named head coach of the WNBA New York Liberty.  Shortly thereafter, she joined the Class of 2018 as a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Katie Smith's selection as the recipient of the Touchdown Club of Columbus 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award was an easy decision, and she will be honored during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in the Arena District.

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November 29, 2018

BOBCAT BACK A.J. OUELLETTE NAMED 2018 MAC PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ohio University senior running back A.J. Ouellette has been named the 2018 MAC Player of the Year by The Touchdown Club of Columbus.  The fifth-year senior from Covington, Ohio rushed for 1142 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He also scored a pair of TDs with 19 pass receptions. A.J. was the second leading rusher in the MAC--just 30 yards behind Western Michigan junior LeVante Bellamy--and concludes his collegiate career as the third leading rusher in Bobcat history.

The 2018 MAC Player of the Year award will be presented during the 64th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Express Live! in the Arena District.