Oct. 31, 2001
Northwestern senior quarterback Zak Kustok (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) was tabbed one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually to the nation's top senior collegiate quarterback by the Frank Camp Chapter of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation.
Joining Kustok on the elite list of candidates are: David Carr (Fresno State), Eric Crouch (Nebraska), Joey Harrington (Oregon) and Kurt Kittner (Illinois).
Kustok has savored a stellar senior season, completing 151 of 260 passes (58.1 percent) for 1,665 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has thrown just three interceptions and has the fourth-lowest interception percentage in the nation. Kustok presently owns a string of 20 consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass.
The orchestrator of one of the nation's top offensive units, Kustok leads the Big Ten in total offense and ranks ninth nationally with a figure of 290.0 yards per game. Earlier this season, he became the first quarterback in Northwestern history to surpass the 1,000-yard mark for career rushing. He has career totals of 4,795 passing yards (fifth all-time at NU), 427 completions (fifth), 32 touchdown passes (second), 19 rushing touchdowns (fifth) and 1,077 rushing yards.
Kustok, who has started the last 25 games for the Wildcats, transferred from Notre Dame in 1999 and became eligible five games into his sophomore season.
The nation's top senior quarterback is selected for the award from a list compiled by a select committee of football experts from across the United States.
The 2001 recipient will be announced November 27, with the award presentation to be made in Louisville on December 7. NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas will attend the ceremony to make the official presentation at the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House East Hotel in Louisville.
The prestigious award bears the name of who many refer to as the finest quarterback to ever play the game of football. Established in 1987, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award has previously honored 14 outstanding young men. Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke won the award last year.