Surprise, surprise, Maryland's redshirt freshman quarterback Danny O'Brien was named the ACC Rookie of the Year today and also received the Top Offensive Newcomer award. O'Brien becomes the first Maryland freshman to receive the rookie of the year award (Maryland was the only charter ACC school who hadn't won the award, which was first handed out in 1975).
From the news release:
He ranks third among freshmen nationally with a pass efficiency rating of 135.2 and averaged 188 yards passing. He started the season as the backup to Jamarr Robinson but took control of the job when Robinson injured his shoulder.
O'Brien is a key reason why the Terrapins finished 8-4, contended for the Atlantic Division title until the final weeks of the regular season and secured a bowl berth one year after finishing 2-10.
O'Brien received 54 of the 61 votes, with 3 votes going to defensive rookie of the year corner Xavier Rhodes of FSU, 3 votes going to Wake Forest running back Josh Harris, and 1 vote going to Clemson wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (really? Hopkins?).
Hopefully O'Brien can follow up on this award by winning the ACC Player of the Year award...for the next 3 years.
Congrats again to DOB and Ralph Friedgen.