Touchdown Club of Columbus explained

The Touchdown Club of Columbus was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1956 by Sam B. Nicola at the request of state auditor James A. Rhodes, who later became governor of the state.^[1] Nicola served as the club's president until his death in 1993. More than a decade later, his son Sam Nicola Jr. took over the Touchdown Club. On January 22, 2020, the president of the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Curt Boster, announced on the club's Facebook page the cancellation of the awards, citing difficulty of maintaining the event without a title sponsor.

Awards

The Touchdown Club of Columbus gives several awards to recognize outstanding athletes.^[2]

Sammy Baugh Trophy

The Sammy Baugh Trophy is awarded annually to the nation's top collegiate passer.

1959 – Dick Norman, Stanford
1960 – Harold Stephens, Hardin-Simmons
1961 – Ron Miller, Wisconsin
1962 – Don Trull, Baylor
1963 – Don Trull, Baylor
1964 – Jerry Rhome, Tulsa
1965 – Steve Sloan, Alabama
1966 – Bob Griese, Purdue
1967 – Terry Hanratty, Notre Dame
1968 – Chuck Hixson, SMU
1969 – Mike Phipps, Purdue
1970 – Pat Sullivan, Auburn
1971 – John Reaves, Florida
1972 – Don Strock, Virginia Tech
1973 – Jesse Freitas, San Diego State
1974 – Gary Scheide, Brigham Young
1975 – Gene Swick, Toledo
1976 – Tommy Kramer, Rice
1977 – Guy Benjamin, Stanford
1978 – Steve Dils, Stanford
1979 – Marc Wilson, Brigham Young
1980 – Mark Herrmann, Purdue
1981 – Jim McMahon, Brigham Young
1982 – John Elway, Stanford
1983 – Steve Young, Brigham Young
1984 – Robbie Bosco, Brigham Young
1985 – Brian McClure, Bowling Green
1986 – Vinny Testaverde, Miami (FL)
1987 – Don McPherson, Syracuse
1988 – Steve Walsh, Miami (FL)
1989 – Jeff George, Illinois
1990 – David Klingler, Houston
1991 – Ty Detmer, Brigham Young
1992 – Elvis Grbac, Michigan
1993 – Trent Dilfer, Fresno State
1994 – Kerry Collins, Penn State
1995 – Danny Wuerffel, Florida
1996 – Steve Sarkisian, Brigham Young
1997 – Ryan Leaf, Washington State
1998 – Daunte Culpepper, Central Florida (UCF)
1999 – Chad Pennington, Marshall
2000 – Chris Weinke, Florida State
2001 – David Carr, Fresno State
2002 – Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech
2003 – B. J. Symons, Texas Tech
2004 – Stefan LeFors, Louisville
2005 – Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2006 – Colt Brennan, Hawaii
2007 – Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
2008 – Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2009 – Case Keenum, Houston
2010 – Landry Jones, Oklahoma
2011 – Case Keenum, Houston
2012 – Colby Cameron, Louisiana Tech
2013 – Derek Carr, Fresno State
2014 – Brandon Doughty, Western Kentucky
2015 – Matt Johnson, Bowling Green
2016 – Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech
2017 – Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
2018 – Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

Jim Brown Trophy

This honor goes to the NCAA's top running back, recently named for Hall of Famer Jim Brown.

1991 – Vaughn Dunbar, Indiana
1992 – Marshall Faulk, San Diego State
1993 – Brent Moss, Wisconsin
1994 – Rashaan Salaam, Colorado
1995 – Eddie George, Ohio State
1996 – Troy Davis, Iowa State
1997 – Ricky Williams, Texas
1998 – Ricky Williams, Texas
1999 – Ron Dayne, Wisconsin
2000 – LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU
2001 – Luke Staley, BYU
2002 – Larry Johnson, Penn State
2003 – Chris Perry, Michigan
2004 – Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2005 – Reggie Bush, USC
2006 – Darren McFadden, Arkansas
2007 – Darren McFadden, Arkansas
2008 – Shonn Greene, Iowa
2009 – Toby Gerhart, Stanford
2010 – LaMichael James, Oregon
2011 – Montee Ball, Wisconsin
2012 – Montee Ball, Wisconsin
2013 – Andre Williams, Boston College
2014 – Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
2015 – Dalvin Cook, Florida State
2016 – Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State
2017 – Bryce Love, Stanford
2018 – Darrell Henderson, Memphis

Paul Warfield Trophy

Named for Paul Warfield, this honor is given to the nation's top collegiate wide receiver.

1991 – Desmond Howard, Michigan
1992 – O. J. McDuffie, Penn State
1993 – David Palmer, Alabama
1994 – Michael Westbrook, Colorado
1995 – Keyshawn Johnson, USC
1996 – Marcus Harris, Wyoming
1997 – Randy Moss, Marshall
1998 – Troy Edwards, Louisiana Tech
1999 – Peter Warrick, Florida State
2000 – Santana Moss, Miami
2001 – Jabar Gaffney, Florida
2002 – Charles Rogers, Michigan State
2003 – Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh
2004 – Braylon Edwards, Michigan
2005 – Dwayne Jarrett, USC
2006 – Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2007 – Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
2008 – Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
2009 – Jordan Shipley, Texas
2010 – Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2011 – Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2012 – Marqise Lee, USC
2013 – Davante Adams, Fresno State
2014 – Amari Cooper, Alabama
2015 – Roger Lewis, Bowling Green
2016 – Corey Davis, Western Michigan
2017 – Anthony Miller, Memphis
2018 – Rondale Moore, Purdue

Jim Parker Trophy

Given yearly to the top collegiate offensive lineman. Named for Ohio State great and Hall of Famer Jim Parker.

1991 – Greg Skrepenak, Michigan
1992 – Lincoln Kennedy, Washington
1993 – Aaron Taylor, Notre Dame
1994 – Zach Wiegert, Nebraska
1995 – Jonathan Ogden, UCLA
1996 – Orlando Pace, Ohio State
1997 – Aaron Taylor, Nebraska
1998 – Matt Stinchcomb, Georgia
1999 – Chris McIntosh, Wisconsin
2000 – Steve Hutchinson, Michigan
2001 – Bryant McKinnie, Miami
2002 – Brett Romberg, Miami
2003 – Shawn Andrews, Arkansas
2004 – Jammal Brown, Oklahoma
2005 – Greg Eslinger, Minnesota
2006 – Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2007 – Jake Long, Michigan
2008 – Andre Smith, Alabama
2009 – Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
2010 – Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
2011 – Barrett Jones, Alabama
2012 – Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
2013 – Cyril Richardson, Baylor
2014 – Reese Dismukes, Auburn
2015 – Landon Turner, North Carolina
2016 - Pat Elflein, Ohio State
2017 - Billy Price, Ohio State
2018 - Jonah Williams, Alabama

Bill Willis Trophy

Named for Bill Willis, this award is given yearly to the top collegiate defensive lineman.

1991 – Steve Emtman, Washington
1992 – Micheal Barrow, Miami
1993 – Dan Wilkinson, Ohio State
1994 – Warren Sapp, Miami
1995 – Tedy Bruschi, Arizona
1996 – Grant Wistrom, Nebraska
1997 – Andre Wadsworth, Florida State
1998 – Tom Burke, Wisconsin
1999 – Corey Moore, Virginia Tech
2000 – Jamal Reynolds, Florida State
2001 – Julius Peppers, North Carolina
2002 – Terrell Suggs, Arizona State
2003 – Tommie Harris, Oklahoma
2004 – Erasmus James, Wisconsin
2005 – Elvis Dumervil, Louisville
2006 – Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State
2007 – George Selvie, South Florida
2008 – Brian Orakpo, Texas
2009 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
2010 – Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
2011 – Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
2012 – John Simon, Ohio State
2013 – Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
2014 – Joey Bosa, Ohio State
2015 – Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
2016 – Ed Oliver, Houston
2017 – Christian Wilkins, Clemson
2018 – Quinnen Williams, Alabama

Jack Lambert Trophy

Named for Jack Lambert, this award is given yearly to the top collegiate linebacker.

1991 – Erick Anderson, Michigan
1992 – Marvin Jones, Florida State
1993 – Trev Alberts, Nebraska
1994 – Derrick Brooks, Florida State; Dana Howard, Illinois (tie)
1995 – Simeon Rice, Illinois
1996 – Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
1997 – Andy Katzenmoyer, Ohio State
1998 – Dat Nguyen, Texas A&M
1999 – LaVar Arrington, Penn State
2000 – Dan Morgan, Miami
2001 – Rocky Calmus, Oklahoma
2002 – E. J. Henderson, Maryland
2003 – Jonathan Vilma, Miami
2004 – Derrick Johnson, Texas
2005 – A. J. Hawk, Ohio State
2006 – Patrick Willis, Ole Miss
2007 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
2009 – Rolando McClain, Alabama
2010 – Von Miller, Texas A&M
2011 – Luke Kuechly, Boston College
2012 – Jarvis Jones, Georgia
2013 – Khalil Mack, Buffalo
2014 – Scooby Wright III, Arizona
2015 – Joe Schobert, Wisconsin
2016 – Ben Boulware, Clemson
2017 – Josey Jewell, Iowa
2018 – Josh Allen, Kentucky

Jack Tatum Trophy

Since 1991, the Jack Tatum Trophy is given yearly to the top collegiate defensive back. Named after the legendary Jack Tatum

1991 – Terrell Buckley, Florida State
1992 – Deon Figures, Colorado
1993 – Antonio Langham, Alabama
1994 – Bobby Taylor, Notre Dame
1995 – Lawyer Milloy, Washington
1996 – Chris Canty, Kansas State
1997 – Charles Woodson, Michigan
1998 – Antoine Winfield, Ohio State
1999 – Tyrone Carter, Minnesota
2000 – Jamar Fletcher, Wisconsin
2001 – Roy Williams, Oklahoma
2002 – Mike Doss, Ohio State
2003 – Sean Taylor, Miami
2004 – Antrel Rolle, Miami
2005 – Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech
2006 – Reggie Nelson, Florida
2007 – Aqib Talib, Kansas
2008 – Eric Berry, Tennessee
2009 – Eric Berry, Tennessee
2010 – Patrick Peterson, LSU
2011 – David Amerson, North Carolina State
2012 – Ed Reynolds, Stanford
2013 – Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
2014 – Gerod Holliman, Louisville
2015 – Desmond King, Iowa
2016 – Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State
2017 – Josh Jackson, Iowa
2018 – Grant Delpit, LSU

Archie Griffin Award

The Archie Griffin Award signifies college football's most valuable player for the entire season.^[3] ^[4] It is named in honor of the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin of Ohio State.

1999 – Michael Vick, Virginia Tech
2000 – Josh Heupel, Oklahoma
2001 – Ken Dorsey, Miami (FL)
2002 – Ken Dorsey, Miami (FL)
2003 – Matt Leinart, USC
2004 – Matt Leinart, USC
2005 – Vince Young, Texas
2006 – Troy Smith, Ohio State
2007 – Pat White, West Virginia
2008 – Colt McCoy, Texas
2009 – Toby Gerhart, Stanford
2010 – Andrew Luck, Stanford
2011 – Montee Ball, Wisconsin
2012 – Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
2013 – Jameis Winston, Florida State
2014 – Marcus Mariota, Oregon
2015 – Deshaun Watson, Clemson
2016 – Sam Darnold, USC
2017 – McKenzie Milton, UCF
2018 – Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

Chic Harley Award

Named for Chic Harley, this award is presented to the College Football Player of the Year.

1955 – Howard Cassady,^[5] Ohio State
1956 – Paul Hornung, Notre Dame
1957 – John David Crow, Texas A&M
1958 – Billy Cannon, LSU
1959 – Billy Cannon, LSU
1960 – Joe Bellino, Navy
1961 – Ernie Davis, Syracuse
1962 – Terry Baker, Oregon State
1963 – Roger Staubach, Navy
1964 – Bob Timberlake,^[6] Michigan
1965 – Mike Garrett, USC
1966 – Steve Spurrier, Florida
1967 – Gary Beban, UCLA
1968 – O. J. Simpson, USC
1969 – Steve Owens, Oklahoma
1970 – Jim Plunkett, Stanford
1971 – Pat Sullivan, Auburn
1972 – Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska
1973 – John Cappelletti, Penn State
1974 – Archie Griffin, Ohio State
1975 – Archie Griffin, Ohio State
1976 – Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh
1977 – Earl Campbell, Texas
1978 – Billy Sims,^[7] Oklahoma
1979 – Charles White, USC
1980 – George Rogers, South Carolina
1981 – Marcus Allen, USC
1982 – Herschel Walker, Georgia
1983 – Mike Rozier, Nebraska
1984 – Doug Flutie, Boston College
1985 – Bo Jackson, Auburn
1986 – Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
1987 – Chris Spielman, Ohio State
1988 – Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State
1989 – Anthony Thompson, Indiana
1990 – Greg Lewis, Washington
1991 – Desmond Howard, Michigan
1992 – Gino Torretta, Miami
1993 – Charlie Ward, Florida State
1994 – Rashaan Salaam, Colorado
1995 – Eddie George, Ohio State
1996 – Troy Davis, Iowa State
1997 – Charles Woodson, Michigan
1998 – Ricky Williams, Texas
1999 – Ron Dayne, Wisconsin
2000 – Josh Heupel, Oklahoma
2001 – Ken Dorsey, Miami
2002 – Ken Dorsey, Miami
2003 – Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh
2004 – Reggie Bush, USC
2005 – Reggie Bush, USC
2006 – Troy Smith, Ohio State
2007 – Tim Tebow, Florida
2008 – Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2009 – Colt McCoy, Texas
2010 – Cam Newton, Auburn
2011 – Robert Griffin III, Baylor
2012 – Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
2013 – Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois
2014 – Marcus Mariota, Oregon
2015 – Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
2016 – Deshaun Watson,^[8] Clemson
2017 – Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
2018 – Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

Kellen Moore Award

Previously called the Quarterback of the Year Award, this accolade differs from Sammy Baugh Trophy in that it goes to top quarterback, rather than the top passer. Its name was changed to its current identity in 2012, honoring two-time winner Kellen Moore, who became the FBS all-time leader in wins by a quarterback after going 50–3 as the starter at Boise State.

1991 – Casey Weldon, Florida State
1992 – Rick Mirer, Notre Dame
1993 – Charlie Ward, Florida State
1994 – Kerry Collins, Penn State
1995 – Tommie Frazier, Nebraska
1996 – Danny Wuerffel, Florida
1997 – Peyton Manning, Tennessee
1998 – Tim Couch, Kentucky
1999 – Joe Hamilton, Georgia Tech
2000 – Josh Heupel, Oklahoma
2001 – Ken Dorsey, Miami
2002 – Ken Dorsey, Miami
2003 – Jason White, Oklahoma
2004 – Matt Leinart, USC
2005 – Matt Leinart, USC
2006 – Troy Smith, Ohio State
2007 – Tim Tebow, Florida
2008 – Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2009 – Colt McCoy, Texas
2010 – Kellen Moore, Boise State
2011 – Kellen Moore, Boise State
2012 – Collin Klein, Kansas State
2013 – A. J. McCarron, Alabama
2014 – Trevone Boykin, TCU
2015 – Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
2016 – Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
2017 – J. T. Barrett, Ohio State
2018 – Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

Ozzie Newsome Award

Named for Ozzie Newsome, this award is presented annually to the top collegiate tight end.

2006 – Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
2007 – Travis Beckum, Wisconsin
2008 – Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
2009 – Aaron Hernandez, Florida
2010 – Michael Egnew, Missouri
2011 – Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
2012 – Zach Ertz, Stanford
2013 – Jace Amaro, Texas Tech
2014 – Nick O'Leary, Florida State
2015 – Jake Butt, Michigan
2016 – Evan Engram, Mississippi
2017 – Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
2018 – T. J. Hockenson, Iowa

Woody Hayes Trophy

Named for Woody Hayes, this award recognizes the top collegiate coach.

1977 – Lou Holtz, Arkansas
1978 – Joe Paterno, Penn State
1979 – Earle Bruce, Ohio State
1980 – Vince Dooley, Georgia
1981 – Danny Ford, Clemson
1982 – Joe Paterno, Penn State
1983 – Tom Osborne, Nebraska
1984 – Don James, Washington
1985 – Bo Schembechler, Michigan
1986 – Joe Paterno, Penn State
1987 – Dick MacPherson, Syracuse
1988 – Lou Holtz, Notre Dame
1989 – no award
1990 – Bobby Ross, Georgia Tech
1991 – Don James, Washington
1992 – Dennis Erickson, Miami
1993 – Don Nehlen, West Virginia
1994 – Tom Osborne, Nebraska
1995 – Gary Barnett, Northwestern
1996 – Bruce Snyder, Arizona State
1997 – Lloyd Carr, Michigan
1998 – Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee
1999 – Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech
2000 – Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
2001 – Ralph Friedgen, Maryland
2002 – Jim Tressel, Ohio State
2003 – Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
2004 – Urban Meyer, Utah
2005 – Joe Paterno, Penn State
2006 – Jim Tressel, Ohio State
2007 – Mark Mangino, Kansas
2008 – Mike Leach, Texas Tech
2009 – Gary Patterson, TCU
2010 – Jim Harbaugh, Stanford
2011 – Bill Snyder, Kansas State
2012 – Urban Meyer, Ohio State
2013 – Gus Malzahn, Auburn
2014 – Gary Patterson, TCU
2015 – Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
2016 – James Franklin, Penn State
2017 – Scott Frost, UCF
2018 – Dabo Swinney, Clemson

Zuppke Award

The Robert C. Zuppke Award trophy is given to the Touchdown Club of Columbus's selection for national champion college football team.

1988 – Notre Dame^[9]
2017 – UCF^[10]

Freshman of the Year

Given yearly to the top college football newcomer.

2001 – Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
2002 – Maurice Clarett, Ohio State
2003 – Chris Leak, Florida
2004 – Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2005 – Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern
2006 – Colt McCoy, Texas
2007 – Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
2008 – Julio Jones, Alabama
2009 – Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
2010 – Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
2011 – Sammy Watkins, Clemson
2012 – Todd Gurley, Georgia
2013 – Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
2014 – Samaje Perine, Oklahoma
2015 – Tanner Mangum, BYU
2016 – Jalen Hurts, Alabama
2017 – J. K. Dobbins, Ohio State
2018 – Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

Vlade Award

Named in honor of Vlade Janakievski, one of the most accurate placekickers in Ohio State football history, this award is given yearly to the most accurate college football kicker.

2010 – Alex Henery, Nebraska
2011 – Brett Maher, Nebraska
2012 – Jeremy Shelley, Alabama
2013 – Roberto Aguayo, Florida State
2014 – Roberto Aguayo, Florida State
2015 – Aidan Schneider, Oregon
2016 – Tyler Davis, Penn State
2017 – Matt Gay, Utah
2018 – Andre Szmyt, Syracuse

Paul Brown Trophy

Named for Paul Brown, this trophy is presented annually to the NFL Coach of the Year.

1971 – George Allen, Washington Redskins
1972 – Don Shula, Miami Dolphins
1973–76 no awards
1977 – Red Miller, Denver Broncos
1978 – Dick Vermeil, Philadelphia Eagles
1979 – Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh Steelers
1980 – Leeman Bennett, Atlanta Falcons
1981 – Sam Rutigliano, Cleveland Browns
1982 – Forrest Gregg, Cincinnati Bengals
1983 – Joe Gibbs, Washington Redskins
1985 – Mike Ditka, Chicago Bears
1986 – Marty Schottenheimer, Cleveland Browns
1987 – Tom Landry, Dallas Cowboys
1988 – Marv Levy, Buffalo Bills
1989 – Bill Walsh, San Francisco 49ers
1990 – Lindy Infante, Green Bay Packers
1991 – Wayne Fontes, Detroit Lions
1992 – Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh Steelers
1993 – Dan Reeves, New York Giants
1994 – Bill Parcells, New England Patriots
1995 – Dom Capers, Carolina Panthers
1996 – Mike Shanahan, Denver Broncos
1997 – Marty Schottenheimer, Kansas City Chiefs
1998 – Dan Reeves, Atlanta Falcons
1999 – Dick Vermeil, St Louis Rams
2000 – Jim Haslett, New Orleans Saints
2001 – Dick Jauron, Chicago Bears
2002 – Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles
2003 – Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

Joe F. Carr Trophy

Named for Joseph Carr, this trophy was presented annually (from 1955 - 1978) to the NFL Player of the Year. This award is not to be confused with the original Joe F. Carr Trophy which was the official National Football League MVP award from 1938 - 46. However, both trophies are named after Carr, a former NFL commissioner.

1955 – Fred "Curly" Morrison, Cleveland Browns
1956 – Rick Casares, Chicago Bears,
1957 – Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
1958 – Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns
1959 – Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
1960 – Norm Van Brocklin, Philadelphia Eagles
1961 – Paul Hornung, Green Bay Packers
1962 – Jim Taylor, Green Bay Packers
1963 – Y. A. Tittle, New York Giants
1964 – Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
1965 – Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns
1966 – Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers
1967
- NFL – Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
- AFL – Daryle Lamonica, Oakland Raiders
1968
- NFL – Leroy Kelly, Cleveland Browns
- AFL – Lance Alworth, San Diego Chargers
1969
- NFL – Roman Gabriel, Los Angeles Rams
- AFL – Daryle Lamonica, Oakland Raiders
1970 – George Blanda, Oakland Raiders
1971 – Bob Griese, Miami Dolphins
1972 – Larry Brown, Washington Redskins
1973 – O. J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills
1974 – Ken Stabler, Oakland Raiders
1975 – O. J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills
1976 – Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys
- 1977 – Walter Payton, Chicago Bears 1978 – Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers
1979 – Dan Fouts, San Diego Chargers
1980 – Brian Sipe, Cleveland Browns
1981 – Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals

Sam B. Nicola Trophy

Named for the club's founder, this trophy is presented annually to the National High School Player of the Year.

1981 – Kevin Wilhite, Cordova, CA
1982 – Robert Banks, Hampton, VA
1983 – Chris Spielman, Massilon, OH
1984 – Ned Bolcar, Phillipsburg, NJ
1985 – Jeff George, Indianapolis, IN
1986 – Emmitt Smith, Pensacola, FL
1987 – Todd Marinovich, Mission Viejo, CA
1988 – Alonzo Spellman, Mt Holly, NJ
1989 – Robert Smith, Euclid, OH
1990 – Marquette Smith, Winter Park, FL
1991 – Chris Walsh, Concord, CA
1992 – Ron Powlus, Berwick, PA
1993 – Lamont Green, Miami, FL
1994 – Dan Kendra III, Morgantown, WV
1995 – Andy Katzenmoyer, Westerville, OH
1996 – Grant Irons, Middleburg Heights, OH
1997 – Ron Curry, Hampton, VA
1998 – Mike Doss, Canton, OH
1999 – DJ Williams, Sacramento, CA
2000 – Joe Mauer, St. Paul, MN
2001 – Maurice Clarett, Youngstown, OH
2002 – Chris Leak, Charlotte, NC
2003 – Ted Ginn Jr., Cleveland, OH
2004 – Ryan Perrilloux, LaPlace, LA
2005 – Brady Quinn, Columbus, OH
2006 – Myron Rolle, Princeton, NJ
2007 – Jimmy Clausen, Thousand Oaks, CA
2008 – Terrelle Pryor, Jeanette, PA
2009 – Lamarcus Joyner, Miami, FL
2010 – Malcolm Brown, Brenham, TX
2011 – Johnathan Gray, Aledo, TX
2012 – Max Browne, Sammamish, WA
2012 – Vernon Hargreaves III, Manchester, CO
2013 – Elijah Hood, Charlotte, NC
2014 – Josh Rosen, Bellflower, CA
2015 – Jacob Eason, Lake Stevens, WA
2016 – Alex Huston, Springfield, MO
2017 – Zamir White, Laurinburg, NC
2018 – Ryan Hilinski, Orange, CA

James A. Rhodes Trophy

The James A. Rhodes Trophy is awarded annually to the Ohio High School player of the year. It is named for former Governor of Ohio James A. Rhodes, who was state auditor when he made the suggestion that led to the founding of the Touchdown Club of Columbus.

1969 – Steve Mauger, Massillon
1970 – Ted McNulty, Upper Arlington
1971 – Rick Middleton, Delaware Hayes
1972 – Archie Griffin, Eastmoor
1973 – Mike Gayles, Cincinnati Princeton
1974 – Ted Bell, Youngstown Mooney
1975 – John Ziepler, Warren Harding
1976 – Joe Portale, St Edward
1977 – Tim Koegel, Cincinnati Moeller
1978 – Art Schlichter, Miami Trace
1979 – Ken Roundtree, Cincinnati Moeller
1980 – Eric Ellington, Cincinnati Moeller
1981 – Mark Brooks, Cincinnati Moeller
1982 – Tony Grant, Fremont Ross
1983 – Hiawatha Francisco, Cincinnati Moeller
1984 – Chris Spielman, Massillon
1985 – Mark Kamphous, Cincinnati Moeller
1986 – Jeff Davidson, Westerville North
1987 – Carlos Snow, Cincinnati Academy
1988 – Ronald Howe, Zanesville
1989 – Roger Harper, Columbus Independence
1990 – Robert Smith, Euclid
1991 – Korey Stringer, Warren Harding
1992 – Mike Vrabel, Walsh Jesuit
1993 – Dee Miller, Springfield
1994 – Charles Woodson, Fremont Ross
1995 – Andy Katzenmoyer, Westerville South
1996 – Derek Combs, Grove City
1997 – Tony Fisher, Euclid
1998 – Mike Doss, Canton McKinley
1999 – Brandon Childress, Cleveland Chanel
2000 – Jeff Backes, Upper Arlington
2000 – Maurice Hall, Columbus Brookhaven
2001 – Justin Zwick, Massillon Washington
2001 – Maurice Clarett, Warren Harding
2002 – Donte Whitner, Cleveland Glenville
2003 – Ted Ginn Jr., Cleveland Glenville
2004 – Jamario O'Neal, Cleveland Glenville
2005 – Chris Wells, Akron Garfield
2006 – Brandon Saine, Piqua
2007 – Jake Stoneburner, Dublin Coffman
2008 – Zach Boren, Pickerington Central
2009 – Braxton Miller, Huber Heights Wayne
2010 – Braxton Miller, Huber Heights Wayne
2011 – Maty Mauk, Kenton
2012 – Mitch Trubisky, Mentor
2013 – Grant Sherman, Kenton
2014 – Joe Burrow, Athens
2015
2016 – Daniel Bangura, Harvest Prep
2017 – Isaiah Bowser, Sidney
2018 – Mark Waid, Girard

Male Athlete of the Year

2007 – Dalton Carriker, Little League World Series
2008 – Myron Rolle, Florida State football
2009 – Jake Coffman, Northern Illinois
2010 – Owen Marecic, Stanford football
2011 – Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois football
2012 – Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M football
2013 – Keenan Reynolds, Navy football
2014 – Logan Stieber, Ohio State wrestling
2015 – Reggie Owens, South Carolina State
2016 – Andrew Beckwith, Coastal Carolina baseball
2017 – Shaquem Griffin, UCF football
2018 – Antwan Dixon, Kent State football

Female Athlete of the Year

2007 – Courtney Kupets, Georgia
2008 – Angela Tincher, Virginia Tech
2009 – Megan Hodge, Penn State volleyball
2010 – Katie Spotz, adventurer
2011
2012 – Kayla Harrison, judo (Olympic gold medalist)
2013 – Micha Hancock, Penn State
2014 – Lauren Hill, Mount St. Joseph basketball
2015 – Margo Greer, Arizona
2016
2017 – Sabrina Anderson, Slippery Rock

President's Award

2011 – Jordan White, Western Michigan University
2011 – Ross Franklin, Johnstown High School
2012 – Zac Dysert, Miami University
2013 – Ryan Switzer, North Carolina
2013 – Cartel Brooks, Heidelberg College
2014 – Cardale Jones, Ohio State University
2015 – Kody Kasey, Georgetown College
2016 – Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee
2018 – Jeff Monken, Army West Point

TDC Lifetime Achievement Award

The Touchdown Club also gives the annual TDC Lifetime Achievement Award to a selected athlete.

1991 – Olga Korbut, Olympic Gymnastics
1992 – Nadia Comăneci, Olympic Gymnastics
1993 – Evander Holyfield, Boxing
1994 – Jerry Lucas, Basketball Hall of Fame
1995 – Sparky Anderson, Baseball Hall of Fame
1996 – Bobby Hull, Hockey Hall of Fame
1997 – Jim Brown, Football Hall of Fame
1998 – George Steinbrenner, New York Yankees
1999
2000 – Lamar Hunt, American Football League
2001
2002
2003 – Hopalong Cassady, College Football Hall of Fame
2004 – Joe Nuxhall, Baseball
2005
2006 – John Havlicek, Basketball Hall of Fame
2006 – Bevo Francis, Basketball
2007
2008 – Chuck Ealey, Football
2009 – Archie Griffin, College Football Hall of Fame
2010 – Coach Chris Ault, College Football Hall of Fame
2011 – Coach Chuck Kyle, Football
2012 – Coach Tom Osborne, College Football Hall of Fame
2013
2014
2015 – Coach Don Donoher, Football
2016 – Peter Hanson, Ohio State volleyball
2017 – Larry Kehres, Mount Union football
2018 – Katie Smith, Naismith and Women's Basketball Halls of Fame

FCS Player of the Year

2011 – Timothy Flanders, Sam Houston State
2012 – Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion
2013 – Terrance West, Towson
2014 – Marshaun Coprich, Illinois State
2015 – Eli Jenkins, Jacksonville State
2016 – Gage Gubrud, Eastern Washington
2017 – Jeremiah Briscoe, Sam Houston State
2018 – Devlin Hodges, Samford

Notes and References

Web site: Touchdown Club of Columbus. www.tdccolumbus.com. 2 April 2018.
Web site: Past Honoreess :: Touchdown Club of Columbus. www.tdccolumbus.com. 2 April 2018.
News: Chris. Trevino. Darnold wins Archie Griffin Award. January 15, 2017. CBS Sports. January 4, 2017.
News: Scrivens. Sarah. USC QB Sam Darnold wins 2016 Archie Griffin Award. January 15, 2017. ESPN. January 4, 2017.
News: Cassady to Receive Harley Award Tonight. January 29, 2017. The Coshocton Democrat. United Press. January 20, 1956. 12.
News: Howell. Fritz. Columbus TD Club To Honor Sports Figures. January 29, 2017. The Daily Reporter. Associated Press. January 15, 1965. 11.
News: Greiner. John. Sims, Sooners Suit Up For Big Senate Shindig. January 29, 2017. The Daily Oklahoman. May 3, 1979. 5.
News: Fravel. Cory. Watson to Receive Chic Harley National Player of the Year. January 15, 2017. CBS Sports. December 5, 2016.
News: Associated Press . February 19, 1989 . Lou Holtz is honored . The Tribune . Columbus, Ohio . Coshocton, Ohio . April 11, 2023 . Touchdown Club of Columbus ... Woody Hayes Award for contributions to college football ... Robert A. Zuppke Award for having the best college football team in the nation in 1988..
Touchdown Club of Columbus — 2017 — Zuppke Award — University of Central Florida — National Champions . February 17, 2018 . Trophy . . April 11, 2023.