The following is a release courtesy of Notre Dame Athletics:
SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. - University of Notre Dame junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen
and junior wide receiver Golden Tate were both selected as semifinalists for
the 2009 Maxwell Award, presented annually to college football's player of
the year, the Maxwell Football Club announced Wednesday.
Clausen and Tate were two of 16 semifinalists and Notre Dame joined Texas as
the only schools with multiple semifinalists. Clausen was one of six
quarterbacks to make the list while Tate was one of two wide receivers
selected a semifinalist.
Clausen has completed 66.9 percent of his passes this year for 2,318 yards
with 18 touchdowns and two interceptions. He ranks second nationally in
passing efficiency (164.3) and is in the top 15 in the Football Bowl
Subdivision in 11 passing categories.
Clausen has been at his best this season late in the game and in clutch
situations. He has led Notre Dame to a school record four fourth-quarter
comebacks this year and passed for 561 yards and six touchdowns while
rushing for another score in fourth quarters this season. When tied or
trailing in 2009, Clausen has accounted for 13 touchdowns and no turnovers.
Tate has been a beneficiary of Clausen’s accuracy this season as he has
totaled 56 receptions for 927 yards and nine receiving touchdowns. He has
added 155 yards on 19 rushes (8.2 average) with two rushing touchdowns. Tate
is tied for second in the FBS in touchdown catches, ranks third in total
receiving yards and is fourth in receiving yards per game. No wide receiver
has more total touchdowns this year than Tate.
Tate has registered five 100-yard receiving games this season, the most of
any FBS player entering this week, and he has recorded at least two
touchdowns in three straight games. Tate is on pace to challenge Jeff Samardzija’s school record for receptions, receiving yards and receiving
touchdowns for a single season and could break Samardzija’s school record
for career receiving yards this year.
The three finalists will be announced Nov. 23 and the winner will be
announced on the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10.
Semifinalists for the 73rd Maxwell Award
- Jahvid Best, California (RB)
- Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (QB)
- Noel Devine, West Virginia (RB)
- Toby Gerhart, Stanford (RB)
- Mark Ingram, Alabama (RB)
- Casey Keenum, Houston (QB)
- Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan (QB)
- Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh (RB)
- Ryan Matthews, Fresno State (RB)
- Colt McCoy, Texas (QB)
- Kellen Moore, Boise State (QB)
- Christian Ponder, Florida State (QB)
- Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State (RB)
- Jordan Shipley, Texas (WR)
- Golden Tate, Notre Dame (WR)
- Tim Tebow, Florida (QB)