Texas Tech senior QB Harrell wins Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell of Ennis was named the recipient of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award on Monday. The award is presented annually to the nation's top senior quarterback.

Harrell is the most prolific passer in Tech history and ranks second all-time in NCAA history with 15,429 career passing yards. He will accept the award Friday at the Tremont Grand Meeting & Banquet Facility in downtown Baltimore. He's the first Tech quarterback to win the award.

Candidates are judged upon character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, leadership qualities and athletic accomplishments. Last year's winner was then-Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, who is now with the Atlanta Falcons. Other past winners include current NFL players Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart, Eli Manning, Carson Palmer, David Carr and Peyton Manning.

"I want to thank the Johnny Unitas Foundation for this incredible honor," Harrell said in a statement. "To be mentioned in the same breath with this true legend of football is very special for me, my family and my teammates. This award wouldn't be possible without the support of my family and everyone at Texas Tech. Hopefully this honor will shine some light on the great things our football program has achieved and how special it is to be a Red Raider."