Oct. 4, 2005
MORRISTOWN, N.J. - Selected as the best of the brightest from the college gridiron, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) today announced the 184 semifinalists for the 2005 Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and the candidates for the NFF 2005 National Scholar-Athlete Awards. UCF senior tight end Darcy Johnson was named to the list and is one of seven players from Conference USA to make the semifinal list.
Known in many circles as the "Academic" Heisman, the Draddy Trophy continues to be one of college football's most sought after and competitive awards, recognizing an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.
"The Draddy epitomizes everything right about college football," NFF President Steven J. Hatchell said. "By recognizing this group, we highlight the countless hours and demands that each college football player must balance as they pursue their dreams of a higher education and their passion for football. The NFF has both the privilege and responsibility to pay tribute to this exceptional group of role models, who truly embody the term student-athlete."
Each player was 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 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a team first player, and demonstrate strong leadership and citizenship.
The trophy is named in honor of former NFF Chairman Vincent DePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback who founded the Izod and Lacoste brands. The winner receives a 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.
The NFF Awards Committee, comprised of former coaches, Hall of Famers and college administrators, will announce the 15 finalists on Oct. 27. The winner will be announced at the 48th NFF Awards Dinner on Dec. 6 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Each finalist will be recognized that night as part of the 2005 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.
The semifinalists, which includes 106 players that have earned All-Conference recognition on the field, have an average GPA of 3.5. The list includes 45 offensive linemen, 30 linebackers, 88 offensive players, 80 defensive players and 16 special teams players. The most selections came from Division I-A with 63, while Division I-AA had 44, Division II had 20, Division III had 43, while the NAIA had 14.
Tennessee's Michael Munoz won the Draddy Trophy last year.