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Hamilton Named Draddy Trophy Semifinalist
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Oct. 18, 2006
MORRISTOWN, N.J. – University of Virginia senior cornerback Marcus Hamilton (Centreville, Va.) is one of 148 semifinalists for the 2006 Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and the candidates for the NFF 2006 National Scholar-Athlete Awards.
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.
“The Draddy epitomizes everything right about college football,” said NFF President Steven J. Hatchell. “By recognizing this group, we highlight the countless hours and demands that each college football player must balance as they pursue their dreams of a higher education and their passion for football. The NFF has both the privilege and responsibility to pay tribute to this exceptional group of role models, who truly embody the term student- athlete.”
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.
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 December 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.
Named a team captain, Hamilton leads the ACC in interceptions this fall. The All-ACC honoree is also a three-time academic All-ACC selection. He graduated last December with a 3.36 GPA in sociology. Hamilton has 14 career interceptions and ranks third in the nation among active players. He is also tied for 15th in ACC history in interceptions and tied for fourth in UVa history.
Virginia hosts North Carolina on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7:45 p.m. at the Carl Smith Center, home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium. ESPN will televise the game nationally.