Peach Tree Times

University of Georgia tight end Brock Bowers has been named one of five finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, the university said in a Dec. 22 statement.

Bowers is the only finalist from the Southeastern Conference, UGA said.

The winner will be announced Jan. 10 with the awards presented at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Galas in Atlantic City March 18, according to the university.

Bowers, a native of Napa, Calif., was the SEC's freshman of the year, and also USA Today, ESPN and The Athletic First Team All-American.

He had 47 catches for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns, 11 through receiving, one by rushing, the university said.

He tied the Bulldog record for receiving touchdowns in a season, set in 2002 by Terrence Edwards.

 The Bulldogs ranked third in the nation, will face second-ranked Michigan on Dec. 31 in the Capital One Orange Bowl, UGA said.

The Shaun Alexander Award is given to the best freshman player in college football. It was named after Shaun Alexander, a running back who played for Seattle and Washington, the Maxwell Club said. The club was founded in 1935.

"Recognizing talented players at the earliest stages of their careers has been a Maxwell standard," the club said. "In fact, a majority of our Maxwell Award winners have experienced continued success at the professional level with several going on to be legends of the game."