ATLANTA (AP) — Deshaun Watson of Clemson has won the Davey O'Brien Award, given to the nation's best quarterback.
The prize was presented Thursday night.
Watson is the first Clemson quarterback to win the award. He is the second Atlantic Coast Conference player in three years to earn the honor. Florida State's Jameis Winston took it in 2013.
Watson, a sophomore and graduate of Gainesville High, threw for more than 3,500 yards with 30 touchdowns and ran for almost 900 yards with 11 touchdowns to lead Clemson (13-0) to a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The other finalists were Trevone Boykin of TCU and Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma.
Watson also is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, given to the college player of the year.
Winners of the Davey O'Brien Award for the nation's best quarterback, presented by the College Football Writers Association of America:
2015 - Deshaun Watson, Clemson
2014 - Marcus Mariota, Oregon
2013 - Jameis Winston, Florida State
2012 - Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
2011 - Robert Griffin III, Baylor
2010 - Cam Newton, Auburn
2009 - Colt McCoy, Texas
2008 - Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2007 - Tim Tebow, Florida
2006 - Troy Smith, Ohio State
2005 - Vince Young, Texas
2004 - Jason White, Oklahoma
2003 - Jason White, Oklahoma
2002 - Brad Banks, Iowa
2001 - Eric Crouch, Nebraska
2000 - Chris Weinke, Florida State
1999 - Joe Hamilton, Georgia Tech
1998 - Michael Bishop, Kansas State
1997 - Peyton Manning, Tennessee
1996 - Danny Wuerffel, Florida
1995 - Danny Wuerffel, Florida
1994 - Kerry Collins, Penn State
1993 - Charlie Ward, Florida State
1992 - Gino Torretta, Miami
1991 - Ty Detmer, Brigham Young
1990 - Ty Detmer, Brigham Young
1989 - Andre Ware, Houston
1988 - Troy Aikman, UCLA
1987 - Don McPherson, Syracuse
1986 - Vinny Testaverde, Miami
1985 - Chuck Long, Iowa
1984 - Doug Flutie, Boston College
1983 - Steve Young, Brigham Young
1982 - Todd Blackledge, Penn State
1981 - Jim McMahon, Brigham Young
