Jan. 8, 2008
ANAHEIM, Calif. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF linebacker Robenson Jean (Delray Beach, Fla./Atlantic Community) capped off his collegiate football career by traveling to Anaheim, Calif., for the inaugural Rudy Award Tuesday. The senior received a $2,500 scholarship and a framed commemorative plaque for being one of four finalists for the national accolade.
The University of Kentucky's Terry Clayton won the award, which was presented at the American Football Coaches Association Convention. Along with Jean and Clayton, Arizona State's Keegan Herring and LSU's Joey Stutson also were finalists, as they were chosen from a field of 26 nominees.
The Rudy Award honors NCAA Division I student-athletes who demonstrate character, courage, contribution and commitment as members of their football teams. The award is named for Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, a former Notre Dame player who had his story told in the film Rudy.
A member of the National Guard, Jean spent over a year in Iraq from 2003-04. What began as a six-month tour of duty was extended four times. His unit, the First Battalion 124th Infantry Regiment, was one of the first infantry units to land in Baghdad.
After returning to the United States, Jean enrolled at UCF in the fall of 2004 and joined the Knights as a walk-on in 2006. He is on pace to earn his bachelor's degree in business management this spring.
Jean made his mark on special teams for the Knights in 2007, where he made two total tackles in five games.
The Knights went 10-4 this season, capped off by winning the Conference USA title and a trip to AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn.
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