Oct. 4, 2005
MORRISTOWN, N.J. -
Selected as one of the best of the brightest from the college gridiron, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) today announced Tuesday that Illinois State's Stafford Davis was one of the 184 semi-finalists for the 2005 Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and is also one of the candidates for the NFF 2005 National Scholar-Athlete Awards.
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," said NFF President Steven J. Hatchell. "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."
Davis has been the anchor for the Redbird offensive line, starting every game of his collegiate career - 39 games. He is one of 44 nominees from Division I-AA and carries a 3.03 grade point average and is expected to graduate in December with a degree in business administration. The Orange Park, Fla., native has been highly decorated throughout his ISU career, including being named a 2005 first team preseason all-American by The Sports Network, Lindy's, Street & Smith's and CollegeSportsReport.com. The 2004 All-Gateway Football Conference First Team selection has earned four post-season conference honors including being named to the all-academic team in 2004.
Semi-finalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.0 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 founded the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a stunning 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 select and announce 15 finalists on Oct. 27. The winner, also selected by the committee, will be announced at the 48th NFF Awards Dinner on December 6 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Each finalist will also be recognized that night as part of the 2005 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.
Illinois State has had three previous players named to the National Scholar-Athlete Class including Adam Waugh (2001), Tim Achterberg (1995) and Jeff Hembrough (1981).
