Tebow Named 2008 Wuerffel Trophy Finalist
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 | Football
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow (Jacksonville, Fla.) is one of 13 finalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, as announced by The All Sports Association on Wednesday. The Wuerffel Trophy is a national award that honors the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has now rushed for 10 touchdowns on the season and increased his school-record total to 41 career rushing touchdowns. In addition, Tebow has thrown for 17 touchdowns this season and 54 in his career, which tied John Reaves for seventh-most in Florida history. In the last three games, Tebow has accounted for 14 touchdowns (seven rushing, seven passing).
The award is named after former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who led Florida to the 1996 national championship, played six years in the National Football League and has received national recognition for his humanitarian and community service efforts with Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans.
"We at the All Sports Association are excited and proud of this year's finalist class,” commented All Sports President Mike Coupe'. “The process of narrowing the field was a difficult one, as the pool of nominations was outstanding. The submissions clearly revealed the fact that these are not only great athletes and students, but they are also great young men. We are honored to recognize them and how they help reflect upon what is really good in college football."
A committee that includes the Wuerffel Trophy national directors and selection committee members will vote on the finalists later this month, and the winner will be formally announced on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
“As I look at this incredible list of finalists, I'm filled with a new sense of hope for the future,” said Wuerffel. “These young men truly embody the leadership skills, talents and character that will make a difference in our world. The hardest part now will be for the committee to try to select a winner… all of them really deserve it!”
The 2008 Wuerffel Trophy will be presented to the winner at the All Sports Association's 40th Annual Awards Banquet on Feb. 20, 2009.
2008 Wuerffel Trophy Finalists
Tim Tebow, junior quarterback, Florida
Austin Starr, senior place kicker, Indiana
Mike Rivera, senior linebacker, Kansas
Tim Masthay, senior kicker/special teams, Kentucky
Quin Harris, senior linebacker, Louisiana Tech
Chase Daniel, senior quarterback, Missouri
Todd Peterson, senior wide receiver, Nebraska
Justin Paysinger, senior center, San Jose State
Graham Harrell, senior quarterback, Texas Tech
Will Chambliss, senior offensive lineman, Troy
Travis Dekker, senior tight end, USAF Academy
Louie Sakoda, senior punter/place kicker, Utah
Tim Hiller, junior quarterback, Western Michigan
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