Aug. 24, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern senior quarterback Brett Basanez (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator), the nation's second-leading active college passer with 6,958 yards, was named a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award candidate on Wednesday.
Basanez, who is set to begin his fourth season as the Wildcats' starting quarterback, was one of 22 senior players selected as a top candidate for the elite honor. The candidates are judged upon citizenship, scholastic achievement, leadership qualities and athletic accomplishments.
An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2004, Basanez completed 247-of-460 passes for 2,838 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. He is on pace to become Northwestern's all-time leader in numerous categories, including the major categories of passing yards and completions.
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 such players as Danny Wuerffel (1996), Peyton Manning (1997), Chris Redman (1999) and David Carr (2001).
The award committee selects five finalists on Oct. 19, with the 2005 recipient announced Nov. 30.