NEW YORK - Associated Press Player of the Year Jason White was picked Wednesday as one of four finalists for the Heisman Trophy award.
The Oklahoma quarterback was joined by Pittsburgh receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning and Michigan running back Chris Perry.
White, voted as AP's top player earlier Wednesday, is the favorite along with Fitzgerald. The winner will be announced Saturday at the Yale Club in New York.
Manning was the only finalist who was prominently mentioned as a leading candidate before the season started.
White was coming off a pair of season-ending knee injuries, Fitzgerald was only a sophomore and Perry had never had a breakout season.
White had one of the best seasons ever for a quarterback, guiding the Sooners to a 12-1 record and keeping them at the top of the polls until the final week of the season.
He threw at least two touchdowns every game until struggling in the Big 12 championship Saturday against Kansas State. He went 27-for-50 for 298 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 35-7 loss to the Wildcats.
White completed 265-of-414 for 3,744 yards, 40 touchdowns and eight interceptions, leading the nation in passing efficiency.
"He's had one of the greatest years of any quarterback ever," Oklahoma offensive coordinator Chuck Long said. "It's a great story for anyone. People could learn a lot from his determination."
The third-ranked Sooners made it to the BCS title game at the Sugar Bowl despite the loss. They will play No. 2 LSU on Jan. 4 for the championship of the coaches poll.
Fitzgerald had 87 catches for 1,595 yards and 22 touchdowns, but his team was 8-4. He caught at least one touchdown in all 12 games, tying Randy Moss' record for a season, and in a record 18 consecutive games.
He set seven Big East records while leading the nation in receiving yards per game (132.9), total receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns.
"He virtually carried that offense single-handedly," Miami coach Larry Coker said. "He's as good as it gets."
Manning won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation's top senior quarterback. He has thrown for 3,341 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Perry was fourth in the nation with 1,589 rushing yards. Perry capped his season with 204 yards and two TDs against Ohio State.
