<P><B>Oct. 11, 2007</B>
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University of Dayton senior safety <A HREF="http://www.fansonly.com/schools/dayt/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cramer_brandon00.html" >Brandon Cramer</a> has been named a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame's Draddy Trophy, it was announced today. Cramer is a Flyer co-captain and starting safety from Toledo, Ohio.
<P>The Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, has been referred to as "the academic Heisman." One of college football's most sought after and competitive awards, the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.
<P>Cramer, a 2004 Anthony Wayne High School graduate, is halfway through the final season of one of the most impressive on-and off the field careers in Flyer football history. On the field, he has played almost every down of his career. Off the field, he is a two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American.
<P>This season, Cramer has 23 tackles (15 solo), three passes batted down, two tackles behind the line of scrimmage, an interception and a quarterback hurry. In the classroom he carries a 4.0 grade point average in Pre-Med.
<P>He is one of 158 semifinalists from all levels of college football. 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 at least 3.2 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 developed the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.
<P>The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 25. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2007 National Scholar- Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, will be announced at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner on December 4 at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. A total distribution of more than $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.
<P>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. Past Draddy winners include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist and a Heisman winner.
<P>Dayton is back in action Saturday when the Flyers host Davidson at 1:00 p.m. ET at Welcome Stadium. |
