Wuerffel Trophy watch list 2017: 5 favorites to win
By Brad Weiss
There are plenty of worthy candidates for the 2017 Wuerffel Trophy, as the 109 student-athletes were announced on Tuesday, July 18.
The 2017 Wuerffel Trophy watch list was announced on Tuesday and a record 109 student-athletes were nominated for the award. The award is “College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service,” and was won last season by Texas A&M quarterback Trevor Knight. Presented by All Sports Association in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the award combines exemplary community service with athletic, and academic achievement.
Danny Wuerffel was a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for the Florida Gators, who has gone to become quite the philanthropist after his playing days were over. Semifinalists for the award will be announced in November, with a finalist being named in December. Here is a look at five student-athletes we feel are early front-runners to take home the award.
Josey Jewell
Linebacker, Iowa Hawkeyes
The senior linebacker is one of the best in the Big Ten at his position, and last season, finished second in the conference with 124 tackles. The key to the middle of the Iowa Hawkeyes defense, Jewell had the opportunity to turn pro after the 2016 season, but decided to return to school for his senior season, much like star cornerback Desmond King did last season for the Hawkeyes. He has been named to numerous watch lists in 2017, including the coveted Wuerffel Trophy.
As good as Jewell is at linebacker, he is also as stellar in the classroom, coming to Iowa as a member of the National Honor Society in high school. He has brought that same tenacity to his studies at Iowa, balancing his workload, and anchoring the Hawkeyes defense very well. His smarts can be seen during his play, as he is quick to keep his teammates in the right positions prior to the snap.
Jewell has played a huge role in the community since coming to Iowa, and will have another year to do so in 2017. He has been on campus for five years, and in that time, has made numerous visits to schools, and hospitals. He is an all-around great person, and should be in for another solid season for the Hawkeyes this year.