Oct. 1, 2008
DALLAS -
Illinois State senior tight end Kedric Meredith was named one of 164 semifinalists for the 2008 Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, by The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) Wednesday.
"The Draddy Trophy is one of college football's most sought after and competitive awards," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "It recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership, and we're incredibly proud to select the next winner from this remarkable group of semifinalists."
Meredith, who is working toward a double major in accounting and finance, has started every game this season for the Redbirds. He has two catches for 14 yards this season, while being one of the best blockers at the position in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
Nominated by their schools, which were limited to one nominee each, semifinalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor, 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 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship.
"The Draddy semifinalists represent everything good about college football," said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. "They are another fine example of how football builds leaders, and it is the NFF's duty to promote their accomplishments, while encouraging future generations of gridiron standouts to aim high, on-and-off the football field."
The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2008 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, will be announced at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner Dec. 9 at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. A total distribution of more than $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.
Launched in 1959, the NFF scholar-athlete program became the first initiative in history to credit a player for both academic and athletic accomplishments. The Draddy, first awarded in 1990, adds to the program's mystique, having previously honored two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist and a Heisman winner.
