Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell picked up an unprecedented third AT&T All-America Player of the Week honor Thursday for his efforts in the Red Raiders' 49-24 win over Eastern Washington last weekend. Harrell picked up the honor twice last season following games at Oklahoma State and Texas.
Harrell claimed the honor Thursday after throwing for 536 yards and two touchdowns in the Red Raiders' win over Eastern Washington last Saturday. Harrell received 50 percent of the votes to beat out East Carolina wide receiver T.J. Lee (32 percent), Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (12 percent) and Navy running back Shun White (6 percent). Each of the players was nominated for this week's award by ESPN based on their outstanding performances last weekend. During the 2007 season, Harrell won the AT&T All-America Player of the Week in weeks four and six and was nominated for the award in week 12.
"AT&T congratulates Graham for his tremendous performance for the Texas Tech football team last week, and we wish him the best of luck throughout the season,"
said Tim McGee, executive director of national sponsorships for AT&T's wireless unit. "College football draws the most passionate fans, and this award gives them the chance to select the AT&T All-America Player of the Week all season long."
Harrell ranks second in several Texas Tech passing and total offense categories to former Red Raider standout Kliff Kingsbury. Harrell's total against EWU pushed him over the 11,000-yard mark for his career. He accounted for three scores and now trails Kingsbury (100) in career TDs responsible for by two. Additionally, Harrell has completed 91 career touchdown passes. Kingsbury holds the record with 95.
In December, four finalists for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year Award will be announced during a one-hour special on ESPN in conjunction with the announcement of the AT&T ESPN All-America Team as selected by the Football Writers Association of America. Fans will then get a chance to say who the best player in the nation is by voting for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year through the BCS. Voting ends at noon ET on Jan. 6, and the winner will be announced during the BCS National Championship game on FOX on Jan. 9.
Last year, Texas Tech freshman wide receiver Michael Crabtree was honored as the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, edging Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow of Florida, Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Virginia's Chris Long. Voting for the 2007 AT&T All-America Player of the Year was the highest total in the four-year history of the award.
The Red Raiders continue the 2008 season Saturday with Western Athletic Conference member Nevada in Reno. Kickoff is 8:05 p.m. CT from Mackay Stadium.
