Heisman finalists sweep College Football Awards
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota took home two trophies at the College Football Awards on Thursday, and fellow Heisman finalists Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper won the top awards at their respective positions.
Mariota, a junior and the favorite to win the Heisman on Saturday, became the first Oregon player to take home the Maxwell Award, given to the player of the year, and the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, given to the nation's best quarterback.
Gordon, a Wisconsin junior, received the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back, edging Nebraska senior Ameer Abdullah and Indiana junior Tevin Coleman.
Cooper, an Alabama junior, was honored with the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver, beating out Colorado State sophomore Rashard Higgins and West Virginia senior Kevin White.
Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright III won the Bednarik Award, given to the Defensive Player of the Year. Clemson senior Vic Beasley and Ohio State sophomore Joey Bosa were also finalists.
The Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's best defensive back, was awarded to Louisville sophomore and FBS interceptions leader Gerod Holliman. Oregon senior Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Alabama junior Landon Collins were finalists.
Florida State's Nick O'Leary won the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's most outstanding tight end. O'Leary is the third ACC player to win the award.
Auburn senior Reese Dismukes won the Rimington Trophy, honoring the nation's best center. Dismukes is the first player from Auburn to win the award.
On special teams, Maryland junior Brad Craddock won the Lou Groza Award as the nation's best kicker, beating out West Virginia sophomore Josh Lambert and defending Groza award winner Roberto Aguayo from Florida State.
Utah junior punter Tom Hackett was the recipient of the Ray Guy Award, which is given to the nation's best punter. Alabama freshman JK Scott and Idaho sophomore Austin Rehkow were also finalists.
Follow Tess Quinlan on Twitter @TessQuinlan.