Kentucky junior quarterback Brock Vandagriff has been named to the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list, as announced Wednesday by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. The prestigious award, presented by A.O. Smith Corporation, honors the top senior or upperclassman quarterback poised to graduate with their class.
The selection process for the award includes a preseason watch list, semifinalists, finalists, and the eventual award recipient, all chosen by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Selection Committee. This committee consists of prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, and former players. The award is named after Johnny Unitas, an NFL legend who played 18 seasons and left an indelible mark on the game.
Vandagriff, a 6-foot-3, 213-pound quarterback from Bogart, Georgia, is entering his first season with Kentucky after spending two seasons at the University of Georgia. During his time with the Bulldogs, Vandagriff appeared in 13 games, completing 12 of 21 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He also showcased his mobility, rushing for 46 yards on just six carries. Vandagriff was part of Georgia’s back-to-back national championship teams in 2021 and 2022.
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is named in honor of Johnny Unitas, who played his collegiate career at the University of Louisville before embarking on a storied NFL career with the Baltimore Colts. Unitas is remembered for his impressive career passing stats, including 2,830 pass completions, 40,239 yards, and 290 touchdowns. He also set a record by throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.
This year’s Golden Arm Award winner will be presented with the trophy at the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award celebration, which will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland, on Friday, December 6, 2024.
