Stanford's Marecic wins Hornung Award

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Stanford fullback-linebacker Owen Marecic won the inaugural Paul Hornung Award on Monday.

The award given out by the Louisville Sports Commission honors the most versatile player in college football.

Marecic won over Kentucky wide receiver-kick returner Randall Cobb and TCU wide receiver-kick returner Jeremy Kerley.

Marecic and Stanford capped a 12-1 season with a 40-12 Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech last Monday night in Miami.

"It's a special year, a real special group of guys," Marecic said on a conference call. "For myself, I just played a small role in the whole process all year."

Marecic carried 23 times for 46 yards and five touchdowns and caught nine passes for 75 yards. He was the fifth leading tackler with 51 stops, and had two sacks and two interceptions for the Cardinal (12-1).

A 16-member selection committee comprised of sports journalists and former NFL stars voted for the award.

The award is named for 1956 Heisman Trophy winner and Louisville native Paul Hornung.

"I watched the game with a great deal of interest. You guys played well and you had a sensational game," Hornung said.