Garrett Safron, Sacramento State
Justin Arias, Idaho State
John Roberston, Villanova
This was a highly contested list for finalist this season, as narrowing it to three candidates was nearly impossible. The three candidates I selected in the end had amazing individual efforts that barely shaded past some other very good candidates for this award.
Safron passed for 3490 yards this season, finishing fifth nationally in passing yards. His 34 passing TDs were third nationally, and he had an almost 3.5:1 Td to INT ratio (34/10). Safron, a senior, ends his Sacramento State career on a very high personal note indeed.
Justin Arias was a bright spot on a much improved Idaho State football team, a team that has been a cellar dweller for years. With improved coaching, and the play of Arias overall, the Bengals busted through and challenged for an FCS playoff birth all season long. Arias led the nation with 4076 yards passing, and finished with 38 TDs, first in the nation, and 10 picks.
Robertson led another strong Villanova effort this season, and finished with an amazing 35 TD passes to just 3 INTs. Robertson should be considered a front runner for the Walter Payton award in 2015, as he returns for his senior season after passing for 2848 yards on the year.
And the winner is...
Justin Arias, Idaho State
No single program benefitted more than Idaho State did in 2014 under the trigger of Arias. Long considered a bottom feeder of college football, ISU is now on a major upswing, and it was the arm of Arias that helped it all work out. A national leader in several categories at the position of QB, Arias was a bright shining star of the 2014 season, and has helped set his school on the right path moving forward. Congratulations to Justin and to the Idaho State program.
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