Mike White

Western Kentucky quarterback Mike White was named one of 20 candidates for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, it was announced Wednesday. From 47 on the Watch List to begin the 2017 season, the senior now finds himself among 19 other candidates from across the country.

The Pembroke Pines, Fla., native is the lone Conference USA quarterback on the list, and only one of seven from a Group of Five program.

White ranks 20th in the nation in total completions (125) and 23rd in completion percentage (65.8 percent), both tops in C-USA. Notably, he has at least 20 completions with a 63.6 percent completion percentage in each one of the Hilltoppers’ first five games. In addition, his four rushing touchdowns lead WKU. He didn’t have any rushing scores in his first year playing for the Hilltoppers.

The Golden Arm Award is presented at the end of each season to the nation’s top college quarterback, based on his accomplishments both on and off the field. Candidates must be a college senior or fourth-year junior on schedule to graduate with their class.

The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award will be presented Dec. 8 in Baltimore.

The namesake of the Golden Arm Award has a storied history. Unitas was an 18-year veteran of the NFL, who played his collegiate career at the University of Louisville before joining the Baltimore Colts in 1958. His career passing figures include 2,830 pass completions for 40,239 yards, 290 touchdowns and throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.