USC’s Maiava Named to Top Ten for National QB Award

USC (7-2) quarterback Jayden Maiava, coming off a victory against then second-ranked Ohio State, has been named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top Ten.

This national quarterback award, presented by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. is awarded to the student-athlete who “embodies greatness beyond the game.”

According to the man himself, Johnny Unitas, “the measure of any great quarterback is how well he makes the people around him play.”

Maiava leads the Big Ten in passing yards (2,524) and passing touchdowns (20).

Against a top ten-ranked Ohio State defense, Maiava threw for 222 yards and a touchdown in a 30-18 victory. More importantly, Maiava threw zero interceptions.

That touchdown covered 69 yards to freshman receiver Trent Mosley on the first possession of the game. Mosley finished with five catches for 101 yards.

That was a significant bounce back from the loss at Wisconsin a week earlier, in which Maiava threw two interceptions…in the first quarter.

The Trojans were inspired from that point on, and held the Buckeyes to four field goals and a touchdown.

On the road at Penn State, in a hostile White Out environment, Maiava threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns. Again, no interceptions.

Maiava has thrown multiple-touchdown passes in six of his nine games played. Seven players have scored receiving touchdowns for the Trojans, led by Mosley’s six TDs.

As far as interceptions go, Maiava has thrown six all season in 296 pass attempts. He has completed 67 percent of his passes.

Currently on a bye week, the Trojans are preparing to take on the Indiana Hoosiers (8-1) on the road in Bloomington.

Maiava has led the Trojans to an elite level of play this season. To continue that elite level of football prowess, Maiava and USC need to keep the turnovers at a minimum or none.

The Trojans and Maiava must maintain their intensity, and Maiava must continue to be methodical and focused as he drives the USC offense down the field to the end zone.

Indiana will be a challenge. However, Maiava has been challenged before and has come out on top. An emotional win and a huge boost of confidence, that trend looks like it could continue.

The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award has been awarded every year since 1987, with Don McPherson of Syracuse being the first recipient.

Maiava joins fellow USC quarterbacks Carson Palmer (2002) and Matt Leinart (2005) as Men of Troy who have made the top ten list for this prestigious award.