HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato was named the top amateur athlete in West Virginia, winning the Hardman Award for the second straight year.
“To win the Hardman Award again is a tremendous honor and one that I’m blessed to accept,” Cato said. “The state of West Virginia has so many great athletes and I’m proud to represent it.”
Cato led Marshall to its first Conference USA title, a Boca Raton Bowl victory and the school’s second 13-win season in school—rewriting Marshall’s passing records along the way.
His 40 touchdown passes broke the single-season mark of 39 that Cato previously shared with Herd legend Chad Pennington. While throwing for 3,904 yards this past season, Cato also set a new mark in college football by extending his streak of touchdown passes to 45 consecutive games.
Marshall finished No. 22 in the coaches poll and No. 23 in the Associated Press poll.
The Hardman Award, voted upon by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association, is just the latest accolade for Cato. He was also named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year and honorable mention All-American by SI.com.
WVU receiver Kevin White finished second in the voting after he caught 109 passes for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns. WVU point guard Juwan Staten was third in the voting.
Cato will be honored with the Hardman Award at the 69th annual Victory Awards dinner in May.