By DAVE GUFFEY for GoGriz.com
The University of Montana’s Jordan Johnson has been placed on the 2014 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) FCS Awards Watch List for quarterbacks, that organization announced recently.
A 6-1, 195-pound senior from Eugene, Ore., Johnson will be starting for his third season in 2014. His record as a starter is 20-6, and his 20 career wins tie him with Craig Ochs (2003-04) for the sixth most wins by a Griz quarterback.
Last season he passed for 3,387 yards and 32 touchdowns, which are the fifth and fourth (tie) highest totals in single-season history at UM. He was ranked second in the Big Sky Conference and ninth in the FCS in passing efficiency at 154.7, throwing 32 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. He was ranked fourth in the league and 21st in the nation in total offense, averaging 271.9 yards a game.
Johnson was ranked among the top 20 in the FCS in several other categories as well, including: fourth in passing yards per completion (15.40); sixth in passing touchdowns (32); 11th in total passing yards (3,387); and 15th in points responsible for (192).
Last season Johnson was a third team All-Big Sky selection. He was chosen the Grizzlies’ Steve Carlson Award (MVP) co-winner, sharing that honor with senior linebacker Brock Coyle.
Johnson is the third Montana player to earn a spot on the 2014 watch list. Recently senior defensive end Zack Wagenmann was named to the list for defensive linemen, while senior free safety Matt Hermanson was named to the watch list for defensive backs.
The initial watch list includes 36 returning performers, vying for the top quarterback award in the FCS. All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions; players are not preemptively eliminated from consideration.
Last season linebacker Jordan Tripp earned the CFPA Elite Linebacker Award, while cornerback Trumaine Johnson earned the CFPA Elite Defensive Back Award in 2011.
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