July 22, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell (Ennis, Texas) was named to the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List, the O'Brien Foundation announced Tuesday. The award recognizes annually the nation's top quarterback at season's end.

Harrell led the nation in passing in 2007, becoming only the sixth player in Football Bowl Division (FBS) history to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a season. He completed passes for 5,705 yards and threw 48 touchdowns strikes to lead the country in both categories. Harrell was honored with the Sammy Baugh Trophy for his efforts and was the third Texas Tech quarterback honored with The Touchdown Club of Columbus honor (Kliff Kingsbury in 2002 and B.J. Symons in 2003).

Harrell and the Red Raiders will officially begin on-field preparations for the 2008 season Aug. 4, when the team conducts its first practice. Texas Tech opens the season against Eastern Washington on Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Watch list candidates were selected by a subset of the National Selection Committee and approved by the Davey O'Brien Executive Committee. Semifinalists will be announced October 27 and finalist November 24. This prestigious award focuses on accomplishments both on and off the field. The selection committee is asked to evaluate all candidates on their quarterback skills and athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship.

The 2008 winner will be announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN on December 11. The recipient will be honored Feb. 16, 2009, at the 32nd Annual O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.