University of Houston Athletics

Jones Named Finalist for Paul Hornung Award
11/17/2021 11:03:00 AM | Football
Senior named among five finalists for exclusive award
HOUSTON – Houston Football's Marcus Jones has been named one of five finalists for the Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Wednesday.
The Paul Hornung Award is given annually by the Louisville Sports Commission to the most versatile player in major college football.
Finalists chosen by the 17-member selection committee and online fan voting include Blake Corum, Michigan; Justin Hall, Ball State; Marcus Jones, Houston; Jayden Reed, Michigan State; and Kyren Williams, Notre Dame.
Jones, who has been featured on offense, defense and special teams, is the only FBS player with at least four return touchdowns, three interceptions and one offensive touchdown. His nine career return touchdowns are tied for the most in NCAA history.
The Enterprise, Alabama, native, who accepted an invitation to the Reese's Senior Bowl on Tuesday, leads the nation in punt return touchdowns (2) and is second in kick return touchdowns (2). He ranks third in the nation in combined kick return yards (670) and fourth in punt return average (14.3).
The senior has registered an interception each of the last three weeks while helping Houston rank third nationally in third down conversion % defense (.276) and sixth in total defense (290.5). Jones owns 38 tackles and five pass breakups.
He has also been featured offensively, hauling in 10 passes for 109 yards and a score. Jones helped spark Houston's offense against Navy, putting the Cougars ahead for good in the fourth quarter courtesy of a 47-yard touchdown reception.
The 17-person Paul Hornung Award National Selection Committee chose the 2021 finalists, with fans generating the 18th vote online. Fan voting for the winner opens today and continues through Jan. 4 at https://www.louisvillesports.org/paul-hornung/ and will again count as the 18th vote.
Fans can vote once every 24 hours for their favorite among the five finalists.
UP NEXT
Tickets are on sale for Houston Football's regular season home finale against Memphis on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Seats are available for as low as $20. Fans are encouraged to wear red and arrive early as the program honors its senior class.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
The Paul Hornung Award is given annually by the Louisville Sports Commission to the most versatile player in major college football.
Finalists chosen by the 17-member selection committee and online fan voting include Blake Corum, Michigan; Justin Hall, Ball State; Marcus Jones, Houston; Jayden Reed, Michigan State; and Kyren Williams, Notre Dame.
Jones, who has been featured on offense, defense and special teams, is the only FBS player with at least four return touchdowns, three interceptions and one offensive touchdown. His nine career return touchdowns are tied for the most in NCAA history.
The Enterprise, Alabama, native, who accepted an invitation to the Reese's Senior Bowl on Tuesday, leads the nation in punt return touchdowns (2) and is second in kick return touchdowns (2). He ranks third in the nation in combined kick return yards (670) and fourth in punt return average (14.3).
The senior has registered an interception each of the last three weeks while helping Houston rank third nationally in third down conversion % defense (.276) and sixth in total defense (290.5). Jones owns 38 tackles and five pass breakups.
He has also been featured offensively, hauling in 10 passes for 109 yards and a score. Jones helped spark Houston's offense against Navy, putting the Cougars ahead for good in the fourth quarter courtesy of a 47-yard touchdown reception.
The 17-person Paul Hornung Award National Selection Committee chose the 2021 finalists, with fans generating the 18th vote online. Fan voting for the winner opens today and continues through Jan. 4 at https://www.louisvillesports.org/paul-hornung/ and will again count as the 18th vote.
Fans can vote once every 24 hours for their favorite among the five finalists.
UP NEXT
Tickets are on sale for Houston Football's regular season home finale against Memphis on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Seats are available for as low as $20. Fans are encouraged to wear red and arrive early as the program honors its senior class.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Press Conference: Head Coach Willie Fritz Speaks to Media on the 2026 Transfer Portal Class
Wednesday, February 04
Postgame Press Conference: Football vs. LSU (Texas Bowl)
Sunday, December 28
Highlights: Houston 38, LSU 35 (Texas Bowl)
Sunday, December 28
Press Conference: Head Coach Willie Fritz Previews Texas Bowl vs. LSU
Monday, December 22













