Oct. 25, 2006

MORRISTOWN, N.J.--UC Davis senior quarterback Jon Grant, North Dakota State University senior strong safety Craig Dahl and South Dakota State University senior linebacker Marty Kranz were named one of 37 I-AA semifinalists for the 2006 Draddy Trophy sponsored by The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, and presented by HealthSouth.

There were 148 student-athletes named from Division I-A, I-AA, II, III and 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. 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 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

Up to 15 finalists were to be announced this week. The winner will be announced at the 49th NFF Awards Dinner on Dec. 5 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.