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Collin Klein wins Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein earned the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award over a handful of top candidates on Tuesday.

US PRESSWIRE

Recognized for a remarkable senior campaign, Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein was officially named the recipient of the 2012 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award on Tuesday, reported KStateSports.com.

The 6'5, 226-pound Klein racked up 3,380 total yards from scrimmage and an impressive 37 touchdowns for Bill Snyder's Big 12-champion Wildcats, and became the first Kansas State player in school history to bring home the prestigious award. Set to join the likes of Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Matt Ryan and Andrew Luck as former winners, the talented senior was extremely proud to be selected.

"It’s a tremendous honor," Klein said. "Anyone that is familiar with the game of football recognizes that name. I’m just happy to represent Kansas State, our team and what we’ve been able to accomplish this season."

Klein beat out a group of finalists that includes USC's Matt Barkley, Alabama's A.J. McCarron, West Virginia's Geno Smith and Florida State's E.J. Manuel, and will be officially presented with the honor Friday at the annual awards banquet. Though he will not take the field next until Jan. 3 against the Oregon Ducks in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Klein will join Manti Te'o and Johnny Manziel as finalists this weekend at the 2012 Heisman Trophy presentation.