Ouachita senior place kicker Zach Wright was selected Wednesday by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as one of the 164 candidates selected for the 2008 Draddy Trophy, which is one of college football’s most sought after 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.
Each school can nominate one player for the award. The criteria for being selected as a semifinalist for one of college football most prestigious awards are the student must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.
Wright, who garnered Gulf South Conference special teams player of the week on Sept. 8, is 6-of-8 on field goal attempts this season. The native of Conway, Ark., leads the team in points with 32 and is 14-of-15 on point after attempts.
The National Football Foundation Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2008 National Scholar-Athletic Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship, will be announced at the annual awards dinner on Dec. 9.
