Utah quarterback Devon Dampier has been named the Paul Hornung Award National Player of the Week by the National College Football Awards Association following a standout performance in the Utes' 28-20 victory over BYU last Saturday. The award, which recognizes the most versatile player in major college football, highlights Dampier's dual-threat capabilities during the win.
Multi-Touchdown Performance
In the victory over No. 9 BYU, Dampier accounted for 295 total yards and four touchdowns. He completed 14-of-26 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, while also rushing 20 times for 87 yards and two scores on the ground. His performance included a 29-yard reception from wide receiver Creed Whittemore on a 4th-and-1 play.
Versatility on Display
Dampier's contributions were critical in the game-winning sequence, where he ran for a three-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to help secure the win. His statistical output made him one of only two FBS players in the last 30 seasons to record multiple passing touchdowns, multiple rushing touchdowns, and at least 25 receiving yards in a single game.
Program Records and Milestones
The Phoenix, Arizona, native has been responsible for multiple touchdowns through both passing and rushing in all nine games played this season. This season, Dampier has also achieved specific milestones, such as setting the program record for most career rushing yards by a quarterback while playing at Cincinnati on Oct. 31.
Big 12 and Program Standing
Dampier's success this season has brought him to a 19-2 record as the starter for Utah, a mark that gives him sole possession of the sixth-most wins by a quarterback in the program's history. Through Week 10, he ranks sixth among all active Big 12 quarterbacks with 7,836 career passing yards. He also trails Auburn's Byrum Brown, who holds the FBS quarterback lead with 2,871 career rushing yards, as Dampier has accumulated 2,809 career rushing yards.
Dominance Against Ranked Opponents
The quarterback's ability to impact the game against ranked opponents was previously noted on Oct. 24, when he became one of only five Big 12 quarterbacks all-time to both rush and pass for 150-plus yards against a ranked opponent. That performance came against then-No. 14 Houston, where he recorded 204 passing yards and 150 rushing yards, including two rushing touchdowns and 178 total yards of offense in the second half.
Legacy of the Hornung Award
The Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, has been awarded for 16 seasons. The award's legacy includes nine winners who became first-round NFL Draft picks, such as Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, and Odell Beckham Jr. The award honors the namesake, Paul Hornung, a Heisman Trophy winner in 1956 and a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. Hornung, a versatile player for the Irish in the 1950s, was known for playing multiple positions in the offensive backfield, including defensive safety, punt, and placekick.
Selection and Honor Roll Details
The selection process for the award involves the Louisville Sports Commission compiling an informational packet of Week 10 Honor Roll players for the 18-member Paul Hornung Award Selection Committee. The committee votes for the top three finalists, while fan voting accounts for approximately 6 percent of the overall vote. Dampier joins other Week 10 Honor Roll members, including Louisiana's JJ Garner, FAU's Easton Messer, and Boise State's Dylan Riley.
