LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Oregon State quarterback-fullback-linebacker-special teams ace Jack Colletto has been named winner of the 2022 Paul Hornung Award, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Wednesday.
Colletto, a Camas High grad who earned first team All-Pac-12 all-purpose player, won the award given annually to the most versatile player in major college football.
The Paul Hornung Award selection committee, comprised of 17 sports journalists and football experts from across the country, picked Colletto from among four finalists. An online vote accounted for the 18th vote.
Colletto will be honored at the annual ceremony on March 13 in Louisville.
A fifth-year senior with a degree in mechanical engineering who was named Academic All-District by the College Sports Communicators becomes the 13th winner of the award and the fourth from the Pac-12.
On the field, the “Jackhammer” engineered the transition from part-time starting quarterback as a sophomore to a utility player who played nine different positions on offense and defense depending on the Beavers’ weekly game plan, and was a regular on all special teams.
“This is just an amazing feeling, not just for me but for the program,” Colletto said in a press release. “To put in all this work and be recognized for what I’ve been able to do, it’s truly something special.
“Of course, I couldn’t have done it without the support from a lot of people, especially those around the program and my immediate family. I appreciate all the help and support.”
On offense, Colletto played both wildcat and direct-snap quarterback in short-yardage situations, was a blocking fullback where he started several games and occasionally played H-back and slot.
He had six touchdowns and accounted for 10 first downs rushing, two passing and one receiving this season. Primarily a linebacker on defense, Colletto recorded 23 tackles, caused a fumble and recovered a fumble. He played on all OSU special teams and averaged nearly 40 snaps per game for the season.
“He came to Oregon State as a quarterback and made the transition to linebacker and special teams while still being a big part of our offense,” Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith said in a statement. “That versatility on offense, defense and special teams has been a big part of our success this season.”
Colletto is the first FBS player since 2013 to record at least 10 tackles, catch at least one pass, throw for at least one completion and rush for at least one score in the same season.
He helped the Beavers compile a 9-3 overall record and a 6-3 record in the Pac-12, earning a berth to the Las Vegas Bowl against the Florida Gators on Dec. 17.
Colletto twice made thePaul Hornung Award Honor Roll this season after his efforts against Boise State and Fresno State.
The Louisville Sports Commission launched the Paul Hornung Award in 2010 to honor its namesake and native son, who passed away in 2020, and to promote outstanding performances by versatile college football players who often go unnoticed.
