Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Finalists: Barkley, Klein, McCarron, Manuel, Smith

The award is given annually to the best senior or fourth-year junior quarterback in the country.

Collin Klein is one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. (US Presswire)

The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award has narrowed its list of 29 possible candidates before the season down to five. The award announced its five finalists on Wednesday.

-- Matt Barkley, Southern Cal: 2,972 yards passing, 33 touchdowns, 13 interceptions

-- Collin Klein , Kansas State: 2,768 total yards, 31 total touchdowns, three interceptions

-- E.J. Manuel, Florida State: 2,641 yards passing, 19 touchdowns, five interceptions

-- A.J. McCarron, Alabama: 2,158 yards passing, 20 touchdowns, two interceptions

-- Geno Smith, West Virginia: 3,041 yards passing, 31 touchdowns, three interceptions

Now, before you start screaming in the comments section about guys like Johnny Manziel and Braxton Miller not being included among the finalists, only seniors and fourth-year juniors are eligible to win the award.

Andrew Luck won the award last season. The winner will be announced on Dec 7.