STANFORD, Calif. - Heisman Trophy candidate Christian McCaffrey, offensive guard Joshua Garnett and tight end Austin Hooper have been selected finalists for national awards, it was announced Tuesday.
McCaffrey, a sophomore from Castle Rock, Colorado, is one of three finalists for the Maxwell Award, presented to the top collegiate player in the country, and the Doak Walker Award, given to the top running back.
Garnett, a senior from Puyallup, Washington, is one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy Award, which recognizes the best offensive or defensive interior lineman in the country.
Hooper, a junior from San Ramon, California, is a finalist for the Mackey Award, presented to the top tight end in the nation.
All winners will be announced Dec. 10 at The Home Depot College Football Awards from the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
McCaffrey, the national leader in all-purpose yards with 2,807, ranks second in rushing yards with 1,556 and third in kickoff returns at 31.3. He is also one of three finalists for the Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in major college football, and is one of 10 finalists for the Walter Camp Award, presented to the most outstanding player. The Paul Hornung Award will be presented Dec. 11 and the Walter Camp Award on Dec. 10.
Tough, fast, durable and sure-handed, McCaffrey has produced four 300 all-purpose yard games this season, and broke the school record against Cal by recording 389. He rushed for a school-best 263 yards and four touchdowns against UCLA and has surpassed 100 yards rushing games in a Stanford-best nine consecutive games.
Many consider the powerful Garnett, a product of Puyallup, Washington, the most complete offensive guard in the country. He excels in pass and run blocking, and has helped pave the way for McCaffrey’s record-breaking season. Stanford ranks 15th nationally in rushing, averaging 228.3 yards/game.
Hooper, who played at national powerhouse De La Salle High in San Ramon, California, has caught 26 passes for 379 yards and five touchdowns. He collected a career-high 79 receiving yards, including a 16-yard scoring grab at USC.