July 18, 2008

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University quarterback Rusty Smith was named to the 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List, released by the Davey O'Brien Foundation and its national selection committee. The Watch List spotlights 31 Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) quarterbacks who will vie for the award honoring the nation's best quarterback for the 2008 football season.

Smith was named the 2007 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year after tossing 32 touchdowns and a record setting season total of 3,688 yards. He is one of four quarterbacks from the state of Florida named to the list, joined by Matt Grothe (University of South Florida), Tim Tebow (University of Florida) and Drew Weatherford (Florida State University).

The award focuses on accomplishments both on and off the field. The selection committee is asked to evaluate candidates based on their quarterback skills and athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship. Semifinalists will be named October 27, with finalists announced November 24.

The 2008 winner will be announced during "The Home Depot College Football Awards Show" on ESPN on Thursday, December 11. The recipient will be honored on Monday, February 16, 2009 at the 32nd annual O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.