FootballScoop is proud to announce that Tom Rossley (Texas A&M) is the 2009 FootballScoop Quarterbacks Coach of the Year powered by Muscle Milk®.

Under the tutelage of Tom Rossley, quarterback Jerrod Johnson was arguably the nation’s most improved player. Johnson shattered numerous school records including an A&M record 28 touchdowns and became the first player in A&M history to surpass 3,000 yards through the air (3,217). Along with posting five 300-yard passing games, Johnson ran for eight touchdowns and 455 yards.

Rossley told FootballScoop, “This is a great honor because it comes from my peers.” He then added, “Certainly, Jerrod deserves a lot of the credit for this award. That young man has worked very hard every day to get to where he is today. Until two years ago, he had never been under center. He understands the position better now and it’s translating into wins.”

Johnson’s on-field presence, leadership, understanding of the offense, fundamentals, and timing improved significantly this season under Rossley. Johnson continued to make strides with faster decision making and getting rid of the ball. At times, Johnson played without hesitation and looked like Brett Favre, who Rossley once coached at Green Bay. Amazingly, the Aggies offense converted 50.5% of third down opportunities (6th best in the nation).

Amazingly, Johnson threw just 6 interceptions in 439 attempts, that’s just 1 of every 73 passes. For his performance, Johnson was named 2nd team All-Big 12. Meanwhile, the Aggies finished 15th nationally in scoring offense (33.9 points per game) and 5th nationally in total offense (465 yards per game).

Head coach Mike Sherman told FootballScoop, “Tom Rossley and I have coached together for over 10 years and all during that time I have never worried about the QB’s being ready to play. He is an excellent teacher and coach and tries always to put the quarterback in a position where he can have the most success in leading a team to victory. He is not all about stats but what the QB does or does not do to help his team win. Tom coaches the whole player; his head, eyes, hands, legs, feet, and heart. His quarterbacks have always shown passion and heart for the game and for their teammates. Jerrod Johnson is no exception to that.”

Texas A&M (6-6) earned a trip to the Independence Bowl, where the Aggies will play Georgia on December 28th in Shreveport, LA.

Rossley was nominated by his peers and was selected by a panel of coaches, former coaches, and previous winners. Other finalists for the award were Mike Bajakian (Central Michigan), Dana Holgorsen (Houston), and Greg Forest (Cincinnati).

Rossley will receive his award at the AFCA Convention in January and will receive a complimentary supply of various Muscle Milk® and CytoSport products.