New versatility award named for Paul Hornung

By C. Ray Hall • crayhall@courier-journal.com • January 27, 2010

There are trophies for college football players who run. And those who pass. And tackle. And punt. And kick field goals.

There has been no trophy for versatility — until now.

And it will bear the name of Paul Hornung, the Hall of Famer from Louisville.

The first Paul Hornung Award — for the best all-around college football player — will be handed out next season, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Wednesday.

“There are a lot of players, annually, that do a lot of things really well but get left off of the other (award) lists because they don't do one thing extremely well,” said Karl Schmitt, the commission's executive director.

The first award will be presented at a dinner in Louisville after the 2010 season.

Hornung won the Heisman Trophy in 1956 at Notre Dame before a stellar career with the Green Bay Packers. A member of both the college and pro football halls of fame, Hornung is regarded as one of the sport's most versatile players.

He played quarterback, halfback, fullback, kicker, punter and defensive back and held the NFL single-season scoring record (176 points) for nearly 46 years.

“The idea of giving back to college football by recognizing players who excel at multiple positions is exciting,” Hornung said in a release.

“This award is not necessarily about speed, strength or statistics. The award is about players who compete consistently at a high level and contribute to their teams in every way possible. I'm glad the award winner will be honored in Louisville. I love Louisville; it's my home.”

The award hasn't been designed yet, Schmitt said.

“We want to do something that is representative of Paul, and that's a little tricky,” he said. “How do you make a guy punt, pass, kick, run? I think there's going to have to be some artist's license come into play.”

Six members of the selection committee — eventually expected to grow to 12-16 members — were announced Wednesday. They include two Louisvillians who distinguished themselves as pro and college players: quarterback Phil Simms and lineman Will Wolford.

To indicate the sort of players who will be candidates for the award, the sports commission produced a list of “fantasy” candidates from the past season. They included:

Alabama defensive back Javier Arenas, who returned 32 punts and 19 kickoffs and had 70 tackles and five interceptions.

Kentucky quarterback/running back Randall Cobb, who rushed 94 times, caught 39 passes, returned 24 punts and 13 kickoffs and threw 13 passes.

Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour, who passed for 28 touchdowns and ran for 15.

Clemson running back C.J. Spiller, who rushed 216 times, caught 36 passes, returned 23 kickoffs and nine punts and scored 16 touchdowns.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who passed for 21 touchdowns and ran for 14.

C. Ray Hall can be reached at (502) 582-4662.