Finalists Kerley, Marecic, Cobb Prepare for Bowl Games

As the bowl season winds into full gear, the three finalists for the inaugural Paul Hornung Award have the opportunity to demonstrate their versatility on the field to the 16 national Selection Committee members and college football fans. 

TCU's Jeremy Kerley, Stanford's Owen Marecic and Kentucky's Randall Cobb were announced as finalists for the 2010 Paul Hornung Award on Dec. 10 and each will lead his team into a bowl game after an impressive regular season. All games will be broadcast on ESPN.

Given to the most versatile player in major college football, the Award incorporates candidates' entire body of work during the season, plus bowl games. "Each Hornung Award Finalist was terrific during the 2010 regular season," Hornung said, "and the bowl games provide one more shot to impress the voters."

Paul Hornung Award Finalists, Bowl Game Schedules and Hornung Quotes

· Jeremy Kerley and the Horned Frogs face Wisconsin January 1 at 5 p.m. EST in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Kerley, a game changer as a wide receiver and kickoff and punt return specialist, was named 2010 Mountain West Conference Special Teams Player of the Year and helped lead the Horned Frogs to their second consecutive unbeaten regular season. Paul Hornung Quote: "Jeremy Kerley creates magic with the football - he makes tacklers disappear and turns average plays into game breakers."

· Owen Marecic and the Cardinal face Virginia Tech Monday, January 3 at 8 p.m. EST in the Discover Orange Bowl in Miami. Marecic, a true throwback that started both ways at fullback and linebacker for nearly the entire 2010 season, logged an average of 110 plays per game in the rugged Pacific 10 - equivalent to nearly two full seasons. Paul Hornung quote: "Owen Marecic plays football the way we did years ago - he's tough, relentless and fearless."

· Randall Cobb and the Wildcats face Pitt January 8 at noon EST in Birmingham, Ala. in the BBVA Compass Bowl. Cobb, one of the most prolific offensive and special teams threats in the history of the Southeastern Conference, accounted for touchdowns this season catching, running, throwing and returning punts - and held for field goals and PATs. Paul Hornung quote: "Randall Cobb impacts the outcome of games so many ways - with his legs, arm, hands and his intense desire to get the ball in the end zone."

To determine the finalists, a national selection committee comprised of 16 sports journalists and former NFL stars cast their votes for three candidates using a 5-3-1 point system (1st place - 5 points; 2nd place - 3 points; 3rd place - 1 point). The three finalists accumulated 72% of the overall points; a total of 15 players received votes. Kentucky-based accounting firm Dean Dorton Allen Ford tabulated votes for the Finalists and will tabulate the votes cast by the Selection Committee for the winner when all three candidates have completed their respective bowl games.

The Louisville Sports Commission will announce the inaugural Paul Hornung Award winner January 10 via press release and conference call.

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Paul Hornung Award

Created by the Louisville Sports Commission, the Paul Hornung Award is designed to recognize versatile, high-level performers in major college football and help preserve the legacy of one of Kentucky's best known athletes. A panel of experts will select the inaugural winner in early January 2011; the votes will be tabulated by Dean Dorton Allen Ford. The winner will be honored at the Paul Hornung Award Banquet presented by Jewish Hospital Sports Medicine January 25 at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville. In the spirit of partnership with Paul Hornung, the Louisville Sports commission (LSC) will oversee and administer all aspects of the Paul Hornung Award including budget, selection process, marketing and PR, banquet, trophy, sponsorships, etc. An Advisory Committee co-chaired by LSC Chairman Steve Higdon and Executive Director Karl Schmitt and comprised of LSC Board leadership and local business leaders will provide guidance and insure integrity of the Award. For more information visit: www.paulhornungaward.com

Paul Hornung

Paul Hornung is considered by many the best all-around player in the history of college and pro football. He won the 1956 Heisman Trophy at quarterback for Notre Dame and was the No. 1 pick in the 1957 NFL draft. He played every position in the backfield during his career with the Irish, where he also punted, kicked, returned kicks and played defensive back and was a multi-threat offensive back and prolific kicker in the pros. He was a member of four NFL championship teams as an all-pro halfback for the Green Bay Packers. He led the NFL in scoring 1959-60-61, set the single season scoring record in 1960 with 176 points and was named League MVP following the 1960 and 1961 seasons. Legendary Packers Coach Vince Lombardi called Hornung, "The most versatile man ever to play the game." Paul is enshrined in the National High School, College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame and resides in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Louisville Sports Commission

The Louisville Sports Commission is a Louisville, Kentucky-based 501-c (3) organization committed to creating a legacy of economic and social vitality through sports. LSC attracts and hosts sporting events and activities that have a positive economic impact on the City, enhance the image of the Louisville area as a premier sports destination, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages. More information on the LSC is available at www.louisvillesports.org and on our Facebook fanpage.