Leinart Up for Two Awards

Matt Leinart’s December calendar is filling up quickly.

On Tuesday, Leinart was chosen as one of three finalists for the Davey O’Brien Award, presented to the nation’s top quarterback. Utah’s Alex Smith and Oklahoma’s Jason White are the other finalists.

Leinart, White and Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson also were selected as finalists for the Maxwell Award, presented to the nation’s outstanding player.

Winners for both awards will be announced Dec. 9 in Orlando.

Leinart’s schedule could become even more hectic if, as expected, he is among the finalists for the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented in New York on Dec. 11.

“I’m going to have to change some of my finals -- it’s going to be a little busy after the season’s over, but it’s going to be a fun time,” Leinart said after practice.

Leinart, however, said his main focus was on Notre Dame on Saturday and UCLA on Dec. 4.

Leinart met face to face with Notre Dame tradition last weekend during a ceremony at his alma mater, Santa Ana Mater Dei High.

Fellow Mater Dei quarterback John Huarte, who won the Heisman at Notre Dame in 1964, donated his trophy to the school.

“He said to take it easy on the Irish this week,” Leinart said. “It was an honor to meet him and talk to him.”

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Reserve defensive backs Brandon and Ryan Ting were second-team selections for the Pacific 10 Conference All-Academic team. Ryan Ting has a 3.93 grade-point average, Brandon Ting 3.70. Both are undeclared majors. Tight end Nick Vanderboom was honorable mention.