OXFORD — In a season full of great quarterback play, a defensive player might be the favorite to win the Conerly Trophy tonight at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson.

Mississippi State linebacker Chris White heads a list of 10 candidates — one from each of the state’s football playing schools — for the award that is named after former New York Giants quarterback and College Football Hall of Famer Charlie Conerly.

Seven quarterbacks are among the finalists, including former Pac-10 player of the year and Ole Miss transfer Jeremiah Masoli, Southern Miss starter Austin Davis, Alcorn State’s Brandon Bridge, Jackson State’s Casey Therriault, Delta State’s Micah Davis, Belhaven’s Alex Williams and Mississippi College’s Tommy Reyer. Mississippi Valley’s Markkus Davis is the only other defensive player while Millsaps running back Shane Bowser rounds out the list.