USC QB Sam Darnold wins 2016 Archie Griffin Award

USC redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold has been named the recipient of the 2016 Archie Griffin Award, an honor given to the top player in college football at the conclusion of bowl season.

Darnold, 19, reinvigorated USC's season after taking over the starting job against Utah, passing for 3,086 yards, tallying a USC freshman record 31 touchdowns and leading the Trojans to eight straight regular-season wins. His record-setting performance in USC's 52-49 Rose Bowl win over Penn State on Jan. 2 was the icing on the cake and earned him the Rose Bowl Offensive Player of the Game honor. Darnold was also named the 2016 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and a finalist for the Manning Award.

He is the second Trojan quarterback to win the Griffin Award, along with Matt Leinart, who won it in 2003 and 2004. Darnold is the first freshman to win the award since its inception in 1999. Last year's winner was Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The 2016 Archie Griffin Award will be presented during the 62nd Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Express Live! in the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio.

-- Sarah Scrivens