JMU’s Barnett, Navy’s Horvath Named National Co-Quarterbacks of the Week

FORT WORTH, Texas (Sept. 24, 2024) – The Davey O’Brien Foundation has announced that James Madison’s Alonza Barnett III and Navy’s Blake Horvath have been named Davey O’Brien National Co-Quarterbacks of the Week. It is the first time this season that multiple quarterbacks have been recognized.

Barnett, a sophomore from Whitsett, N.C., set a school record with seven total touchdowns (five passing, two rushing) in the Dukes’ 70-50 victory at North Carolina on Saturday. He amassed 487 total yards, with 388 coming through the air and a career-best 99 on the ground on 13 carries (7.6 per rush).

In all, Barnett was 22-for-34 passing with a career-high five touchdowns against no interceptions. His 487 total yards were the third-most in JMU single-game history, while his 388 passing total tied for seventh. Barnett also was named the Associated Press National Player of the Week and the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

Horvath, a junior from Hilliard, Ohio, carried 12 times for 211 yards and four touchdowns, was 9-for-12 passing for 192 yards and two scores and also had one reception for 13 yards during a 56-44 win over previously-unbeaten Memphis. He averaged 17.6 yards per rush and 21.3 yards per pass completion.

Both his rushing and passing yardage totals represented career highs. Horvath’s 416 yards of offense were the third-most in school history and just 12 yards shy of the all-time record, while his six total touchdowns were two shy of Navy’s standard. For his efforts, he was named the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

The Davey O’Brien Foundation was created in 1977, and the National Quarterback Award, the oldest and most prestigious college quarterback award, was first issued in 1981. Over its time, the Davey O’Brien Foundation has given away more than $1.3 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life.

In 1938, O’Brien, who was a star quarterback for TCU, became the first player ever to win the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award in the same year. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955. For more information, visit www.DaveyOBrienAward.com.

2024 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week Honorees

Week 1: Cam Ward, Miami

Week 2: Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Week 3: Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Week 4: Alonza Barnett III, James Madison & Blake Horvath, Navy