Farod Jackson Named Draddy Trophy Semifinalist

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas fullback Farod Jackson has been named a Draddy Trophy Semifinalist, it was announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) on Thursday. Jackson is one of 153 semifinalists from all NCAA Divisions and the NAIA.

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.

Jackson, one of five Southeastern Conference semifinalists, hasn’t spent much time on the sideline since taking the field for the first time three years ago. He has played in all 41 games of his Razorback career establishing himself as a mainstay on special teams and an integral part of the Razorbacks’ dominant rushing attack. He continues to pave the way for running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones among others. Jackson has shown he can catch the ball out of the backfield as well. Playing in all five games this season, Jackson is a regular on special teams and in the Hogs’ offensive backfield.

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.

This year’s semifinalists maintain a 3.58 average GPA in diverse majors such as physics and ocean engineering. Sixty-six players have earned all-conference recognition on the field and 106 have served as captains. The offensive line produced the most nominees with 31 candidates. Receivers and linebackers followed with 26 nominees each. Offense outscored the defense with 80 to 53 hopefuls. Twenty special teams aspirants completed the contingent. Nominees hail from all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, including a record 67 contenders from the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A). 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.

For a complete list of semifinalist, visit www.footballfoundation.com.