WEEK 5: Three Players from Big 12, ACC and MAC Earn Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll in Week Five
Award Presented by Texas Roadhouse to Most Versatile Player in Major College Football
Louisville, Ky. – Oct. 1, 2024 – Three players representing the Big 12, ACC and MAC were named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for their performances in week five of the college football season. Making the list are Travis Hunter, Colorado; DK Kaufman, NC State; and Marion Lukes, Central Michigan.
The National College Football Awards Association will honor Hunter as the Paul Hornung Award Player-of-the-Week for his unparalleled performance in Colorado’s win over Central Florida.
Colorado junior defensive back/wide receiver Travis Hunter was a standout on offense and defense in the Buffaloes’ 48-21 Big 12 Conference road win over Central Florida. On offense, Hunter caught nine passes for 89 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown reception for the game’s first score. Three of his receptions accounted for first downs on scoring drives. On defense, Hunter made two tackles, had one pass break up and intercepted a pass early in the second half.
NC State senior safety/return specialist DK Kaufman’s stellar play on defense and special teams helped lead the Wolfpack to a 24-17 home win over Northern Illinois. On defense, Kaufman had a two-yard scoop and score early in the second quarter; he added four tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one pass deflection. On special teams, he returned a kickoff 35 yards to the NIU 37-yardline.
Central Michigan senior running back/return specialist Marion Lukes touched the ball 19 times three different ways and accounted for 155 all-purpose yards and a touchdown in the Chippewas’ 22-21 home win over San Diego State. On offense, Lukes carried the ball 16 times for 76 yards and caught two passes for 57 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown reception. He accounted for one first down receiving and three rushing, including two on scoring drives. Lukes also returned one kickoff.
The Louisville Sports Commission successfully launched the Paul Hornung Award in 2010 to honor its namesake and native son, and to promote outstanding performances by versatile college football players who often go unnoticed. Each week during the regular season, a panel of college football experts selects players for the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll based on performance. A national selection committee comprised of 18 sports journalists and former NFL stars votes for the Hornung Award finalists and the winner, with fan voting powered by Texas Roadhouse comprising the 19th vote.
2024 Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll
- Week 1: Quali Conley, Arizona; Travis Hunter, Colorado; Desmond Reid, Pitt; and Nicholas Singleton, Penn State.
- Week 2: Desmond Claiborne, Wake Forest; Quali Conley, Arizona; Travis Hunter, Colorado; Brennan Presley, Oklahoma State; and Zylan Perry, Louisiana
- Week 3: Travis Hunter, Colorado; Jaden Nixon, Western Michigan; Nay’Quan Wright, South Florida
- Week 4: Travis Hunter, Colorado; Devonte Ross, Troy; DT Sheffield, North Texas, Brashard Smith, SMU