“The Draddy epitomizes everything right about college football,” said National Football Foundation 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.”
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each,
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.
A total of 184 players, from Division 1-A through the NAIA, will compete for the award. 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