Nov. 23, 2010

OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss senior quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is one of 10 finalists for the Cellular South Conerly Trophy it was announced on Tuesday. Given out annually by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, the Cellular South Conerly Trophy honors the top collegiate player in the state each year.

Named after former Ole Miss great Charlie Conerly, the Cellular South Conerly Trophy has been given every season since 1996. Former Rebel winners include Stewart Patridge (1997), Deuce McAllister (1999), Eli Manning (2001, 03) and Patrick Willis (2006).

Masoli, a native of San Francisco, is one of only nine players in the nation averaging at least 45 rushing yards (48.4) and 160 passing yards (161.6). The Oregon transfer ranks seventh in the SEC in total offense (210.0 yard/game) and eighth in passing efficiency (123.5).

Masoli accounted for 425 total yards and three TD passes in leading an Ole Miss rally that fell short at Arkansas. The 425 yards of total offense was the second-highest mark in school history, trailing only Archie Manning's SEC record of 540 yards against Alabama in 1969.

Against Kentucky, Masoli accounted for a career-high four touchdowns, including a career-best three through the air, which helped him earn SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors from SouthernPigskin.com. He also became the first Rebel QB to record at least 100 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game since Manning's 190 passing yards and 104 rushing yards against Vanderbilt in 1970.

Masoli is the first Ole Miss signal-caller to rush for 100 yards in a game since Tom Luke ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns in the 1991 Egg Bowl. Masoli needs just 11 yards to break the Rebel single-season record for rushing by a quarterback, set by Norris Weese with 542 in 1972.

The Cellular South Conerly Trophy will be presented Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010 at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in Jackson. For ticket information, contact 1-800-280-FAME.

This year's finalists include seven quarterbacks and just three seniors. Others include Alcorn's Brandon Bridge (FR, QB); Belhaven's Alex Williams (SO, QB); Delta State's Micah Davis (JR, QB); Jackson State's Casey Therriault (JR, QB); Millsaps' Shane Bowser (JR, RB); Mississippi College's Tommy Reyer (JR, QB); Mississippi State's Chris White (SR, LB); Mississippi Valley State's Markkus Davis (SR, DB) and Southern Miss' Austin Davis (JR, QB).

Ole Miss players that also received votes for this year's honor were Brandon Bolden, Jonathan Cornell, Jerrell Powe and Markeith Summers.