On Monday, Iowa junior quarterback Ricky Stanzi was recognized as one of 15 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien Award, which is given annually to the top quarterback in college football.

Among the other semifinalists on this list include Penn State’s Daryll Clark, Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen, Miami’s Jacory Harris, Texas’ Colt McCoy, and Florida’s Tim Tebow.

Through eight games this season, Stanzi has thrown for 1,715 yards passing and 12 touchdowns. The Mentor, Ohio, native has also guided the Hawkeyes to an unscathed 8-0 mark two-thirds into the regular season.

The winner of this year’s Davey O’Brien Award will be announced on Dec. 10 along with the rest of college football’s annual awards. Two previous Iowa quarterbacks — Chuck Long in 1985 and Brad Banks in 2002 — have received the honor.

— by Brendan Stiles