No surprise: Army QB Bryson Daily secures top awards, recognition following record effort
Bryson Daily might be expected to get his dress uniform prepped for college football’s biggest night but he’s going to be pretty busy on that day.
The Heisman Trophy ceremony will be held on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 14, at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room in New York City. Should he become a finalist for the coveted award, Daily would be expected to be in attendance. That could be a problem because he’s going to be busy leading Army against Navy in the annual service academy clash in the late-afternoon clash in Landover, Md.
Granted, Daily remains a virtual longshot in a trophy chase that is usually reserved for big names from big college football schools but his name is appearing more in the discussion following his remarkable start to the 2024 season.
On Monday, Daily became the first consecutive three-time winner of the American Athletic Conference offensive player of the week award and was named the AP National Player of the Week.
He also was recognized by the Davey O’Brien Great 8 performance award for a fourth time – he is a guarantee for recognition to the Davey O’Brien Midseason Watch List award when it is announced on Tuesday and will likely make the 35-player cut on Oct. 29.
Daily posted a record-setting day in Saturday’s 44-10 victory over East Carolina. He had a hand in six touchdowns, one by passing and a record-tying five on the ground – only College Football Hall of Famer Elmer Oliphant, in 1916, registered six touchdowns. He rushed for a career-high 171 yards and completed seven of 10 throws for 147 yards.
His Army record of 19 rushing touchdowns this season is the highest in FBS and his 909 rushing yards ranks third – coupled with his highlight-reel touchdown runs all across social media, this is why Daily is gaining some momentum is being considered for the Heisman.
Daily is listed among the candidates – though far from the top – on six major betting websites. DraftKings has a very short list and Daily is tied for fourth; Bet365 has Daily listed 16th out of 22.
FOX lists Ashton Jeanty of Boise State; Cam Ward of Miami; Dillon Gabriel of Oregon; Cade Klubnik of Clemson; and, Travis Hunter of Colorado as its lead five.
No. 23 Army has a bye week leading into the service academy clash with Air Force on Nov. 2 at West Point.
X / Twitter: @Ken McMillan THR
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Army QB Bryson Daily named player of week, top AAC offensive star
