TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State senior running back Kalen Ballage has been named to the watch list for the 2017 Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, as announced today by the Louisville (KY) Sports Commission.
The award, given annually to the most versatile player in major college football, is named for 1956 Heisman Trophy winner and Louisville native Paul Hornung. A member of the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, Hornung played every backfield position as well serving as placekicker and defensive back at the University of Notre Dame. Hornung was the number one overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft, playing nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
This marks the second consecutive year Ballage has been on the Hornung Award watch list. He is also on the watch list for the 2017 Maxwell Award, as announced earlier this week.
Ballage totaled 1,005 yards in rushing and receiving last season. His 15 touchdowns scored led the Sun Devils, including an FBS single-game record-tying eight (seven rushing, one receiving) against Texas Tech. For that performance, Ballage earned Pac-12 and national Player of the Week honors. He also completed three of four passes in 2016, including a touchdown pass at Oregon. Ballage was one of nine players last season to score a touchdown rushing, receiving and throwing.
In addition to the watch list, Louisville Sports Commission staff and outside experts select and recognize outstanding performers each week during the course of the season. After Week 12 of the regular season, a candidate list of 10-15 players is formed, from which the finalists and winner are eventually chosen. The selection committee chooses the winner in early December.
The Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, is officially presented in February in Louisville.