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Virginia HBCUs Make History in Draddy Awards
michaelingram@blackathlete.com •
View all articles by Michael-Louis Ingram
POSTED: Oct 19, 2007
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Twine, a
cornerback out of Norfolk State University, and Washington, a
linebacker from Virginia State University, are among a list of 153
semifinalists for the 2007 Draddy Trophy.
The
trophy, presented by the National Football Foundation and the College
Football Hall of Fame, recognizes an individual as the absolute best in
the country for his combined academic success, football performance and
exemplary community leadership.
"The NFF is extremely proud of this year's group of semifinalists," said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell, in a prepared statement. "Their substantial commitment to academic excellence, athletic prowess and community service is commendable, and it is our responsibility to honor them for their dedication on and off the playing field. These players are the greatest illustration of how we hope to build leaders through football."
"The NFF is extremely proud of this year's group of semifinalists," said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell, in a prepared statement. "Their substantial commitment to academic excellence, athletic prowess and community service is commendable, and it is our responsibility to honor them for their dedication on and off the playing field. These players are the greatest illustration of how we hope to build leaders through football."
Nominated
by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, semifinalists
must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of
eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have
outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have
demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.
Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a
Manhattan College quarterback who developed the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.
Matthew
Michalec, Sports Information Director at Norfolk State, was elated upon
hearing that Twine, a history major, had made the list of semifinalists.
“We
are very proud of Andre,” said Michalec. “He was twice awarded our
school’s Calvin Gibson award, which is given to the student with the
highest GPA in the department prior to his senior year.”
Twine,
at 5-feet-8 and 170 pounds, is one of the Spartans best defenders,
carries a 3.51 GPA and also serves on the student/athlete advisory
committee.
Peggy
Davis, athletic director at Virginia State University, was pleasantly
surprised upon hearing the news that Washington, a 3.325 GPA graduate
student who majors in sports management, had made the cut. “We are very
excited about Mr. Washington,” said Davis. “He epitomizes what a
student-athlete is and represents the type of young man our coaches
seek to recruit.”
Washington,
a pre-season CIAA selection at linebacker, is sixth on the team in
tackles, with five for lost yardage, as well as a sack and two
recovered fumbles. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker also tackles
helping the homeless, having participated in several efforts on behalf
of Habitat for Humanity.
Nominees hail from all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, including a record 67 contenders from the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A).
Hillary
Jeffries, NFF Special Projects Director, acknowledged the HBCU
selections were firsts. “I would have to double-check this,” said
Jeffries, “but as I ascertain it right now, either Mr. Twine or Mr.
Washington would be the first from an HBCU if selected.”
The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 25. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2007 National Scholar- Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.
The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 25. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2007 National Scholar- Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.
Michael-Louis Ingram
is the sports editor for Suavv
Magazine in Philadelphia. He is currently working on a upcoming book
entitled, "The Best We Never Saw." He can be reached via email at
michaelingram@blackathlete.com
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