Nine Named as "Paul Hornung's Most Versatile Performances of the Week"

By Robert Sampson, Paul Hornung Award

LOUISVILLE, KY (Sept. 8, 2010) – Nine players across the nation have been named honorees in the “Paul Hornung’s Most Versatile Performances of the Week,” it was announced Wednesday by Paul Hornung and the Louisville Sports Commission.

“If you're a college footbal fan, you have to love the way these guys play the game," Hornung said, "doing whatever the coach asks them to do to help their team win games. And I like the fact that we are recognizing guys from across the country and at schools that don't always get the recognition."

The weekly award honorees highlight elite performances from the previous week in college football that display the same versatility on the field as the legendary Paul Hornung.

Week One Honorees

• East Carolina’s Dwayne Harris finished his day with seven receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. He also added six yards rushing on two carries along with 47 return yards in team’s dramatic last second win over Tulsa 51-49.

• Starting cornerback with four tackles, Rutgers’ Brandon Bing also blocked two punts, including one that was returned for a touchdown, in Rutgers’ 31-0 victory over Norfolk State.

• Tulsa’s Demaris Johnson recorded 299 all purpose yards rushing, catching, returning punts and kickoffs in Golden Hurricane heartbreaking loss to East Carolina 51-49. He recorded five kickoff returns for 151 yards.

• Boise State’s Austin Pettis scored the game-winning touchdown against Virginia Tech in Boise State’s last minute, dramatic, BCS blockbuster 33-30 win in front of 86,587 fans at FedEx Field. Pettis also blocked a punt, returned a punt and caught TD pass early in the game as Boise stunned the Hokies with 17-0 first quarter lead.

• Oregon’s Kenjon Barner ran for 147 yards and four touchdowns and had a 60-yard touchdown reception in a 72-0 win over New Mexico. He finished with 225 all-purpose yards. All five of his scores came in the first half.

• Kentucky’s Randall Cobb registered 150 all-purpose yards in a 23-16 win over rival Louisville. Cobb had four carries for 80 yards and a touchdown, threw a 19-yard pass completion, had 2 kick returns for 59 yards and a punt return. Cobb missed part of the game while getting an IV in the lockerroom.

• LSU’s Patrick Peterson set a school record with 257 return yards, including an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown. The starting cornerback notched five solo tackles in 30-24 win over North Carolina at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

• Troy’s Jerrel Jernigan registered 193 yards in total offense running, catching and returning punts and kickoffs, including one rushing touchdown as Troy defeated Bowling Green 30-27 on last second field goal.

• In 30-21 win over Oregon State in Cowboys Stadium, TCU’s Jeremy Kerley gained 196 all-purpose yards on six catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, five kick returns for 105 yards and three punt returns for 42 yards. He also set up touchdown drive with a 34-yard punt return.

A weekly, up-to-date rundown of the individual accomplishments of each player on the Watch List can be found on the official website of the Paul Hornung Award at www.paulhornungaward.com.

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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. 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 and 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 1961 season. Legendary Packers Coach Vince Lombardi called Hornung, “The most versatile man ever to play the game.” Paul is a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame and resides in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. More information go to www.paulhornungaward.com.

Louisville Sports Commission

In the spirit of partnerhsip 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. 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 fan page.


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