Beginning this Sunday, Sept. 2, college football fans can start casting their votes for the 2007 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award (The O’Brien).

Unlike any other award in college football, The O’Brien will institute a fan vote that will count as 5% of the final tally. This is the first time in the award’s history that fans’ opinions will influence the selection process.

“We’re thrilled to be adding the fan vote to our selection process,” said Danielle Moorman, executive director of the Davey O’Brien Foundation. “For many fans, college football season is year round, so they are passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about their teams. This gives them the opportunity to validate their opinions.”

Tennessee senior signal caller Erik Ainge is among the early candidates in the running for the prestigious O’Brien Award this fall. Ainge, a 6-foot-6 Oregon native, injured the pinky finger on his throwing hand this week in practice. He’s still expected to start Saturday’s season opener at 12th ranked California, but nevertheless, news of his game-week injury caused a panic on Rocky Top.

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