Jackson Named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List

BALTIMORE, MD – University at Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson has been named to the preseason watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Named after one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, the prestigious award has been presented annually since 1987 to the nation's top college quarterback.

Entering his third season as UB's starting signal-caller, Jackson, who is also on the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List, started eight games for the Bulls in 2017. He threw for 2,096 yards and 12 touchdowns to only three interceptions. He also added 197 yards rushing and four scores. The Academic All-MAC selection averaged 341 yards passing and threw nine touchdowns over the final four games of the 2017 season.

Jackson is one of just two quarterbacks on the 49-man list from the Mid-American Conference. Candidates must be a college senior or fourth-year junior on schedule to graduate with their class. Criteria to be considered for the award include character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, leadership qualities and athletic accomplishments. It was recently announced that A. O. Smith will be presenting the 2018 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award®, which will be hosted on December 7 at the Embassy Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel & The Grand. Proceeds from the event help support the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, which provides assistance to underprivileged and deserving student-athletes throughout Maryland and Kentucky. "A. O. Smith has a legacy of innovation and performance in the water heating and water treatment industries, much like Johnny Unitas did on the football field," said Jeff Storie, A. O. Smith's director of marketing. "Both of these iconic names have been around for decades and share many of each other's values. For A. O. Smith, partnering with the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation and the Golden Arm Award makes perfect sense. We're excited to tie our own efforts to further education in our trade with the Foundation's efforts to help further the education of youths interested in football around the country."