SALT LAKE CITY — In 24 days, the 2019 Heisman Trophy will be awarded. The University of Utah would like to have its quarterback thrown into the ring for consideration.
The school launched a Heisman campaign for Tyler Huntley on Wednesday, releasing a video that highlights what the senior quarterback has meant to the Utes this season as they’ve climbed to a 9-1 record and the current No. 7 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings.
Huntley has completed 74.2% of his passes this season — second nationally — while throwing for 2,397 yards, 13 touchdowns and a lone interception. He’s also run for 221 yards and five scores.
Huntley is already earning recognition as a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award and on the watch list for the Manning Award.
Heisman finalists will be announced Dec. 9, with the trophy awarded Dec. 14.
The program pointed out several statistics that exemplify Huntley’s season:
- He’s fifth in ESPN’s Total QB rankings (89.2).
- Huntley ranks in the top 10 nationally in yards per pass attempt (11.47, second in FBS), pass efficiency (190.1, fifth) and passing yards per completion (15.46, seventh).
- He is the nation’s top deep-ball passer, according to Pro Football Focus; Huntley has completed 18 of 29 passes in the deep-ball range (pass attempts targeted 20 yards or more) with seven of his 13 touchdown passes from 20 yards or longer.
- Huntley has completed 65% of his deep-ball passes, No. 1 in the nation, and has yet to throw an interception on a deep ball. His 14 completions of 40-plus yards is tied for fourth nationally, and he’s tied for third in the country in 50-plus yard completions (nine) and 60-plus yard completions (five).
- He has averaged more than 10 yards per attempt in seven of the Utes’ 10 games this season, topped by a season-high 18.6 against Cal.