Ohio State senior quarterback Craig Krenzel has been selected as one of 15
college seniors to receive a National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame
Scholarship for 2003. The award includes a stipend of $18,000 for graduate work.
Krenzel, who is majoring in molecular genetics and is 20-2 as a starter, is the
19th Ohio State player to receive the award. Ohio State has had more winners
than all other Big Ten schools combined. One of this year's honorees will be
selected to receive the Vincent Paul Draddy Award, which is an additional $7.000
for graduate studies. Ohio State's Bobby Hoying won that award in 1995 and is
the only Big Ten player to have been selected. Krenzel is also a nominee for the
2003 Academic All-America team and the NCAA's prestigious Top VIII award. This
year's NFFHF honorees will be recognized Dec. 9 in a black-tie dinner at the
Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
Previous Ohio State winners are: Arnie Chonko, DB, 1964 Willard Sander, FB,
1965 Dave Foley, OT, 1968 Rex Kern, QB, 1970 Randy Gradishar, LB, 1973 Brian
Baschnagel, RB, 1975 Jim Laughlin, LB, 1979 Joe Smith, OT, 1982 John Frank, TE,
1983 Dave Crecelius, DT, 1984 Mike Lanese, FL, 1985 (Rhodes Scholar) Joe
Staysniak, OT, 1989 Greg Frey, QB, 1990 Greg Smith, NG, 1992 Joey Galloway, SE,
1994 Bobby Hoying, QB, 1995 Greg Bellisari, LB, 1996 Ahmed Plummer, CB, 1999
**COLLEGE FOOTBALL's 2003 NATIONAL SCHOLAR-ATHLETE CLASS ANNOUNCED**
MORRISTOWN, NJ - October 29, 2003 - The National Football Foundation and
College Hall of Fame announced today, its 2003 National Scholar-Athlete Class,
which includes student-athletes from all NCAA divisions, I-A, I-AA, II, III, and
the NAIA. They are:
DIVISION I-A AWARDEE, SCHOOL, POSITION, MAJOR, HOMETOWN Robert Droege,
University of Missouri, OT, Education, St. Louis, MO Nathaniel Jones, Rutgers
University, CB, Finance, Scotch Plains, NJ Craig Krenzel, Ohio State University,
QB, Molecular Genetics, Sterling Heights, MI Eli Manning, University of
Mississippi, QB, Marketing, New Orleans, LA Rodney Reed, Louisiana State
University, OT, Accounting, Raceland, LA Dontarrious Thomas, Auburn University,
LB, Management, Hawkinsville, GA Jonathan Vilma, University of Miami, LB,
Finance, Miami, FL Renaldo Works, University of Oklahoma, RB, Management Tulsa,
OK
DIVISION I-AA John Frieser, Colgate University (NY), TE, Sociology /
Anthropology, Endwell, NY Jason Whaley, Western Carolina University, OL,
Computer Info. Systems, Pink Hill, NC
DIVISION II John Edmonds, NW Missouri State University, LB, Accounting,
Maryville, MO Keith Heckendorf, St. Cloud State University (MN), QB, Physical
Education, Mosinee, WI
DIVISION III Flynn Cochran, Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. (NY), WR,
Management, Kent, WA Justin Napotnik, Thiel College (PA), RB, Biology /
Pre-Medicine, Sharpsville, PA
NAIA Daniel Woodburn, Hastings College (NE), WR, Business, Curtis, NE
"Since 1959, these highly sought after awards have recognized only a
chosen few who have excelled above all in the areas of scholarship, citizenship
and athletic performance," said National Football Foundation Chairman Jon
F. Hanson. "We are pleased to honor these outstanding young men for all of
their achievements with an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship."
To be eligible for a National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame
post-graduate fellowship, the nominee must be a senior or graduate student in
his final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a
4.0 scale, have shown superior academic application and performance, have
outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated
strong leadership and citizenship.
"The 15 exceptional scholar-athletes we chose this year represent the
best and brightest this nation has to offer on all playing levels," stated
Robert E. Mulcahy III, chairman of the Awards Committee and director of
athletics at Rutgers University. "Each year it seems the talent pool
continues to expand, and our job to select the most deserving individuals gets
more difficult. This year's incredible class is a testament to the hard work of
our committee."
These scholar-athletes will be recognized at The National Football Foundation
and College Hall of Fame's 46th Annual Awards Dinner on December 9, at the
Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Also being honored at the dinner will be the
2003 College Football Hall of Fame class, which will share the dais with these
scholar-athletes.
Each scholar-athlete receives an $18,000 post-raduate scholarship, and that
evening, one will receive the Draddy Trophy as the top scholar-athlete in the
nation, increasing the scholarship to $25,000. Flynn Cochran Wide Receiver
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY)
An exemplary student and multi-faceted talent on the football field, Flynn
Cochran has served as Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's defensive back,
quarterback, running back, punter, punt and kick returner and currently, ne of
the top wide receivers in Division III football.
A Management major, Cochran was named to the Academic All-America,
All-District I and All-Conference First Teams in 2002. A regular Dean's List
member and recipient of the RPI Academic Excellence Award, he is a two-time
Academic All-Conference selection and a member of the Epsilon Delta Sigma
Management Honor Society.
A Second Team All-Conference pick in 2002, Cochran led the team with 66
receptions for 968 yards - ranking him 26th in the nation in receiving yards per
game. Named to Don Hansen's Football Gazette All-Region Third Team in 2002, he
earned All-Conference honors as a defensive back in 1998, ranking second in the
conference with seven interceptions. A tireless leader, Cochran helped the
Engineers to two conference titles and their first NCAA playoff appearance in
2001.
A two-year Team Captain and future leader in the U.S. Armed Forces, Cochran
is extremely involved in the Navy ROTC unit at RPI. He is the Company Commander
of the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps and attended the United States Navy
Mini-BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL School). An Eagle Scout, Cochran
is also a member of the Troy Disaster Relief Squad and is a youth Sunday School
Teacher.
Robert Droege Offensive Tackle University of Missouri - Columbia
One of the top guards in the nation and leader of the University of Missouri
offensive line, Robert Droege is equally as impressive in the classroom. A
three-time Academic First Team All-BIG 12 Conference selection, Droege is an
eight-time member of the Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll and a recipient of
the Missouri Athletics Department Academic Excellence Award. Twice receiving
Academic All-America District V recognition, he completed his undergraduate
degree last May with Summa Cum Laude honors and is currently enrolled in
Missouri's Education Administration graduate program.
An imposing physical presence on the gridiron at 6'6," 305 lbs., Droege
was a First Team All-Conference pick and was named Missouri's Offensive Lineman
of the Year in 2002. A 2003 Preseason Second Team All-America selection by
Street & Smith's, he is on the Watch List for both the Lombardi Award
(nation's top lineman) and Outland Trophy (nation's top interior lineman) and is
already the #6 NFL-rated talent in the conference for the 2004 Draft.
Always active in the community, Droege volunteers with Big Brothers & Big
Sisters, coaches at Columbia youth football camps and has helped raise money for
the Martin Luther King Memorial Restoration Project.
John Frieser Tight End Colgate University (NY)
Possessing a perfect balance of academic excellence, athletic prowess and
community involvement, John Frieser has led Colgate University as a three-year
starter at tight end and as the team's top scholar in the classroom.
A three-time member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, Frieser has
twice earned Academic All-America District I First Team honors. Possessing a
double major in Sociology and Anthropology, he is a member of the Lambda Alpha
and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Societies. A six-time recipient of the Dean's
Award, Frieser was named to the Athletics Director's Association Academic Team
in 2002.
At 6'5," 260 lbs., Frieser is a supreme blocker whose efforts have twice
earned him First Team All-Conference recognition. Also regarded as a legitimate
pass-catching threat, he has caught more than 50 receptions and compiled more
than 800 yards in his career.
A leader on the team and in the community, Frieser, the 2003 Team Captain, is
a Helping Hands volunteer and tutor at a local elementary school. He is also a
member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Phi Delta Theta
Fraternity, which hosts numerous blood drives and recently put on an Easter Egg
Hunt for local children.
John Edmonds Linebacker Northwest Missouri State University
A dominating linebacker and dedicated student in the classroom, John Edmonds
leads by example at Northwest Missouri State University.
An Accounting major, Edmonds is a three-time member of the Mid-American
Athletic Association Commissioner's Honor Roll and a Second Team Academic
All-District VII selection in 2002. A regular Dean's List member, he is a part
of the Delta Mu Delta National Honors Fraternity.
Starting his career as a walk-on, Edmonds' will and determination earned him
a starting position and led to unanimous First Team All-Conference honors in
2002. Leading his team with 12 tackles for a loss and ranking third in total
tackles as a junior, he was named Second Team All-Midwest Region. A 2003
preseason All-America pick, Edmonds currently leads his team in tackles (55),
tackles for a loss (8) and sacks (2.5) through seven games this season.
Voted Team Captain by his teammates in 2003, Edmonds participates in the
team's annual spring citywide clean-up day and serves on the school's M-Club
(letterman's club).
Keith Heckendorf Quarterback St. Cloud State University (MN)
One of the most well-balanced scholar-athletes in NCAA Division II history,
Keith Heckendorf is arguably the most prolific passer in St. Cloud State
University history, and his academic excellence speaks for itself.
A Second Team Academic All-America in 2002, Heckendorf has twice earned
Academic All-Conference and Academic All-America District V honors. A recipient
of the prestigious Presidential and SCSU Renslow scholarships, he is a regular
Dean's List member and was honored by the Wisconsin Chapter of the National
Football Foundation as a senior in high school.
A Second Team All-America and Top Three Finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy
in 2002, Heckendorf led the Huskies to their first conference title in 14 years.
Named First Team All-Conference, he led the conference in total offense (270 ypg)
and pass efficiency (144.7). A 2003 preseason consensus All-America and
projected Offensive MVP, Heckendorf leads the conference in five categories,
including passing yards (1,938) and touchdown passes (22) and currently ranks
9th in the nation in pass efficiency (159.9). Holding eight school records, he
has passed for over 8,500 yards and 55 touchdowns in his career.
A two-year captain, Heckendorf remains active in the community as a tutor for
SCSU Athletes in Action, an instructor at high school football camps and a
United Way volunteer. A recruiting panel speaker for Huskies football, he also
volunteers his time reading to elementary school children.
Nathaniel Jones Cornerback Rutgers University (NJ)
A defense and special teams standout, Nathaniel Jones brings leadership to
the Rutgers University secondary and provides academic superiority off the
field.
A Second Team Academic All-America and Academic All-District II selection in
2002, Jones was named New Jersey Sports Writers Association Scholar-Athlete of
the Year. A Robert G. Carr Scholar, he is a member of the Golden Key and Phi
Beta Kappa National Honor Societies.
A dangerous returner and fearsome cornerback, Jones was a First Team
All-Conference pick in 2002 en route to being named BIG EAST Co-Special Teams
Player of the Year. Leading the conference and ranking fifth in the nation with
28.3 yards per kickoff return in 2002, he had two 100-yard kickoff returns for
touchdowns and was twice named Special Teams Player of the Week. An established
defensive presence, Jones also tallied the third-most tackles (84) on the team
in 2002. A 2003 Athlon preseason All-America pick, he again ranks among the
conference leaders in kick return average and interceptions through seven games
this season.
Providing leadership in his community, Jones is the BIG EAST representative
for the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a member of the
Leadership Council at Rutgers. A participant in annual Christmas toy and
Thanksgiving turkey drives, he speaks regularly at Pop Warner Football Leagues
and the Rutgers Football Middle School program.
Craig Krenzel Quarterback Ohio State University
Seldom does a player rise to the top of both the academic and athletic world
like Craig Krenzel has. His 3.68 GPA in Molecular Genetics proves his academic
prowess, and his leadership on the gridiron led Ohio State to their first
National Championship in 32 years.
A Second Team Academic All-America in 2002, Krenzel received The Sporting
News Socrates Academic Award and recorded a perfect 4.0 in four quarters. A
three-time Academic All-BIG TEN Conference selection, he received the Ohio State
Academic Achievement Award three times, Dean's List recognition six times and
the Ohio State Exceptional Academic Award 11 times.
Under center, Krenzel led the Buckeyes to a perfect 14-0 season including a
victory over top-ranked and defending national champion Miami in the 2003
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, of which he was named Offensive MVP. A Second Team
All-Conference pick, Krenzel compiled 2,478 yards of total offense in 2002, 5th
best all-time at OSU. Named Archie Griffin Offensive Player of the Year and
voted OSU's Co-MVP for the 2002 season, he ranks eighth all-time with over 3,300
career passing yards.
Named 2003 Team Captain, Krenzel is a frequent visitor to the James Cancer
Hospital and Children's Hospital. A speaker at numerous engagements, he also
volunteers at a local food pantry, charity fundraisers and during Right To Read
Week.
Eli Manning Quarterback University of Mississippi
Following in a rich family tradition of quarterbacks with academic genius and
athletic supremacy, Eli Manning has maintained a rigorous academic ledger while
establishing himself as one of the nation's elite at his position.
A Second Team Academic All-America selection in 2002, Manning has earned
Academic All-Southeastern Conference honors three times and First Team Academic
All-District VI honors twice. Listed in Who's Who Among American Universities
and Colleges, he is a member of the Chancellor's, Dean's and UMAA Honor Rolls.
A Second Team All-Conference pick in 2002, Manning is a two-time semifinalist
for the Davey O'Brien Award (nation's top quarterback). Named All-America
Honorable Mention in 2001 by The Football News, he holds 24 school records
including single-season passing yards (3,401), career passing yards (8,600+) and
career touchdown passes (65+). A preseason All-America in 2003, Manning leads
the SEC in eight passing and total offense categories through seven games.
Very active in the community, Manning is a two-time member of the American
Football Coaches Association's Good Works Team. Chairman for the 2003 Yocona
Area Council Boy Scout Membership Drive, he has taped numerous "Stay In
School" commercials for the NCAA and is a vital part of the "Reading
with the Rebels" program.
Justin Napotnik Tailback Thiel College (PA)
Regarded as one of the elite scholar-athletes in Division III, Justin
Napotnik continues to run over, through and around Thiel's opposition while
sustaining a perfect academic record.
Despite enduring the rigors of a grueling schedule as a Biology /
Pre-Medicine major, Napotnik has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and is a member of
the Alpha Chi Honorary Fraternity. A three-time Academic All-Conference
selection, he has been named to the Dean's List six times, two more and he will
be awarded the prestigious golden "Dean Key."
A three-year starter, Napotnik was a Second Team All-Conference selection in
2002 and Honorable Mention in 2000. Last season, he compiled 632 yards and three
touchdowns. Through six games in 2003, Napotnik is leading the team in rushing
for the third straight year and needs only 54 yards to move into fifth place on
Thiel's career rushing list. Having amassed more than 1,700 career yards, he had
a 78-yard touchdown run in 2000, the second longest from scrimmage in school
history.
A community leader, Napotnik is a member of the President's Athletic
Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Council and serves as a director of a free
youth football camp, which teaches children the basic fundamentals of how to
play football. Involved in numerous community service projects, he spearheaded
the adoption of a child in East India by the football team.
Rodney Reed Offensive Tackle Louisiana State University
A model of consistency, Rodney Reed has defined himself as an academic leader
at Louisiana State University. On the field, Reed's consistency is proven in his
streak of 36 consecutive starts at offensive tackle, sixth longest in the
nation.
Possessing a 3.95 GPA in Accounting, Reed was a First Team Academic
All-America selection in 2002 and a Second Team pick in 2001. A three-time
Academic All-Southeastern Conference selection, he graduated with honors last
May and is currently working towards his MBA at LSU. A four-time member of the
President's List and two-time member of the Mortar Board, Reed is a member of
the Omicron Delta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Societies and was
twice named LSU's Most Outstanding Student in the College of Business.
At 6'4," 280 lbs., Reed is in his fourth year as a starter for LSU and
participated in a team-high 889 plays in 2002, allowing only four sacks and was
called for just one penalty. In three years, Reed has helped lead the Tigers to
three bowl games and an SEC title in 2001. In 2000, he was named to the Freshman
All-Conference Team.
A member of the 2003 SEC Good Works Team, Reed is the founding member of the
LSU Football Peer Leader Committee. A guest speaker at the 2002 Sugar Bowl
Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast, he is a member of the LSU Fiscal
Committee for Athletic Accreditation and regularly visits sick children at local
hospitals.
Dontarrious Thomas Linebacker Auburn University
A dominating Southeastern Conference linebacker, Dontarrious Thomas has been
equally as impressive in the Auburn University classroom.
A three-time Academic All-Conference Honor Roll selection, Thomas earned
Academic All-America District III Second Team honors in 2002. Four-time
recipient of the Auburn Athletic Department Top Tiger Award, he is a member of
the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society and is the recipient of the
Arthur Ashe Scholar-Athlete Award. Having graduated with an undergraduate degree
in Management last May, Thomas was a finalist for the SEC Boyd C. Whorter
Student-Athlete of the Year Award in 2002.
A physical specimen at 6'4," 238 lbs., Thomas had 122 tackles and nine
tackles for a loss in 2001 en route to Second Team All-Conference honors. Named
2003 Capital One Bowl Defensive MVP and Defensive Player of the Week once in
2001, he has amassed 300 career tackles, ranking him among the top 10 all-time
at Auburn. Through eight games, he ranks second on the team with 48 tackles and
is a member of the 2003 Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker) Watch List.
A devoted community member, Thomas volunteers his time with the March of
Dimes, Toys for Tots and Read Across America programs. A guest speaker at junior
high school banquets, he is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Jonathan Vilma Linebacker University of Miami (FL)
Terrorizing opposing quarterbacks, Miami's Jonathan Vilma has established
himself as one of the nation's top linebackers. Off the field, his academics
parallel few while his community involvement continues to grow.
A First Team Academic All-America and All-District III selection in 2002,
Vilma is a member of the Provost's and Athletics Director's Honor Rolls and the
UM Dean's List. A two-time Academic All-BIG EAST Conference pick, he has twice
been named an Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar and received the 10th Annual Walter
Kichefski Football Scholarship Endowment Award, presented annually to the top
scholar-athlete in the football program.
A two-time unanimous First Team All-Conference selection, Vilma has led the
team in tackles in each of the last two seasons and was a Butkus Award (nation's
top linebacker) semifinalist in 2002. Anchoring the Miami defense, Vilma has
helped lead the team to a 42-2 record in his tenure, including the 2001 National
Championship. A Bronko Nagurski Award (nation's top defensive player), Butkus
Award, BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-America
candidate, he has amassed 250 career tackles and 20 tackles for a loss.
A motivational speaker at local schools, Vilma has participated in the
Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery, Hall of Champions Dinner, Youth Football Clinic,
Annual DARE Softball Game, Fireman Corporate Challenge and numerous other
charitable events.
Jason Whaley Offensive Lineman Western Carolina University (NC)
Jason Whaley leads by example at Western Carolina University with his
athletic prowess, academic excellence and community leadership.
A three-time Academic All-Conference Honor Roll member and two-time Academic
All-America District III selection, Whaley was named to the Division I-AA
Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team in 2002. An eight-time
Dean's List member, he is a member of the WCU Honors College, the Beta Gamma
Sigma Honor Society and was named Male Student-Athlete of the Year three
consecutive years.
A Second Team All-Conference selection, Whaley was an integral part of an
offensive line that gave up only 15 sacks in 370 pass attempts in 2002.
Bolstering the line, his efforts helped WCU to lead the conference and rank 25th
nationally in passing offense in 2002. Seeing action at both guard and tackle in
his career, Whaley was named 2003 Preseason All-America by Street & Smith's.
Named 2003 Team Co-Captain, Whaley helped build a recreation park for area
youth in Sylva, NC. Eager to visit children in various area hospitals, he has
also prepared and served meals at The Community Table of Sylva, which provides
free meals for people in need.
Daniel Woodburn Wide Receiver Hastings College (NE)
Perfection may best describe Hastings' Daniel Woodburn, a marquee receiver on
the field and one of the academic elite in the classroom.
A Business major from Curtis, Nebraska, Woodburn possesses a perfect 4.0 GPA
and was named NAIA First Team All-America in 2002. Regularly appearing on the
Dean's List, he is a member of both the Alpha Chi and Omicron Delta Epsilon
National Honor Societies.
One of the top receivers in the NAIA, Woodburn earned Second Team All-America
and First Team All-Conference recognition in 2002. Breaking the school's
all-time single-season record for receiving yards, he caught 45 passes for 1,091
yards and 12 touchdowns in 2002. His receiving yards were the nation's third
best and led the Great Plains Athletic Conference along with receiving yards per
game, average yards per catch and touchdown receptions.
Named Team Captain for 2003, Woodburn participates in the Teammates Mentoring
Program at Hastings College and is very active in a number of community
charitable efforts.
Renaldo Works Running Back University of Oklahoma
In the classroom, Renaldo Works is a mold of consistency. On the football
field, he continues to compile impressive rushing numbers in hopes of guiding
the #1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners to a 2003 National Championship.
A three-time Academic All-Conference pick and two-time Academic All-America
District IV selection, Works was named the 2003 Athletics Council Outstanding
Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Regularly appearing on the Dean's List, Works
is a six-time member of the BIG 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll, six-time Sooner
Scholar and a member of the President's Honor Roll.
A leader of the Oklahoma offense that has guided the Sooners to a perfect 8-0
season start and a #1 national ranking, Works leads the team in rushing yards
and touchdowns. The hero of a win over Alabama in 2002, he gained 62 yards on a
pair of shovel passes to set-up the game winning touchdown with just over a
minute left to play. Named Freshman All-America Honorable Mention in 2000, Works
has amassed over 1,400 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in his career.
Always active in the community, Works participated in a fundraiser for
firemen from New York following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. An elementary
school mentor, he participates in the Sooner Housing Center safe Trick or Treat
program and helps out at canned food drives at local shelters.
With 119 chapters and over 13,000 members nationwide, The National Football
Foundation and College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs
programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing
scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in America's young people. NFF
programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., PLAY IT
SMART, The NFF Center for Youth Development Through Sport at Springfield College
(Mass.), the NFL-NFF Coaching Academy, and scholarships of nearly $1 million for
College and High School Scholar-Athletes.
For More Information - call 1-800-486-1865 or visit our website at
www.footballfoundation.com