Indiana University Athletics
Meyers Named Draddy Trophy Semifinalist
10/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 18, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana senior safety Will Meyers was named a semifinalist for the prestigious Draddy Trophy that recognizes the top student-athlete in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. The 2006 National Scholar-Athlete Nomination and Draddy Semifinal list, presented by The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (NFF), recognized 148 of the best and brightest student-athletes in college football on Oct. 17.
Meyers, whose late-game interception sealed Indiana's 31-28 win over No. 15/13 Iowa on Oct. 14, is a first team Academic All-American in 2005 who will graduate with a degree in accounting from the prestigious Kelley School of Business. A first team Freshman All-American and the 2003 Big Ten Defensive Freshman of the Year, Meyers leads the Hoosiers in tackles with 46 (35 solo) while hauling in two interceptions and one fumble recovery this season.
The NFF Awards Committee, comprised of former coaches, Hall of Famers and college administrators, will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 26. The winner, also selected by the committee, will be announced at the 49th NFF Awards Dinner on Dec. 5 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Each finalist will also be recognized that night as part of the 2006 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.
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 3.0 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.
Past winners of the Draddy Trophy include Peyton Manning (1997), Chad Pennington (1999) and Craig Krenzel (2003).
