The Hornung Award, which goes to the nation’s most versatile player, announced their five finalists.
The award is named after Paul Hornung, who was the first Heisman winner to play in the NFL. He played running back and safety at Notre Dame and would be chosen as the No. 1 pick in the 1957 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. Not only could he play in the backfield and on defense, he also played quarterback at times as well.
Hornung would win four NFL championships and the inaugural Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. He took home the NFL MVP in 1961 and has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and NFL Hall of Fame.
Among the five finalists are Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah, TCU running back B.J. Catalon, Stanford wide receive Ty Montgomery, Missouri running back Marcus Murphy, and Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson.
Former LSU and current N.Y. Giants wide reciever Odell Beckham Jr. won the award last year. Past winners include Tavon Austin, Brandon Boykin, and Owen Marecic.
Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah is one of the favorites to take home the award. He has rushed for 1,319 yards and 17 touchdowns this season and ranks third in the country in all-purpose yards per game.
Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson has been a force on both sides of the ball for the Huskies this season and has scored four touchdowns on defense.
TCU running back B.J. Catalon has been everywhere this season. He has scored on a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, and on a kickoff return.
Stanford wide receiver Ty Montgomery has been as consistent as they come. The senior has recorded 60 receptions for 590 yards and three touchdowns. He also leads the country with 2,732 return yards.
Finally, Missouri running back Marcus Murphy is the only player in the country to score via a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, punt return, and kickoff return.
*Section Photo credit to Ezra Shaw, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Jesse Johnson, USA Today Sports.
