Italiano Named to Wuerffel Trophy and Good Works Team Watch Lists
7/15/2015 10:29:00 AM | Football
Kent State senior safety Jordan Italiano (Canfield, Ohio) continued to be recognized for his all-around efforts Wednesday as he was one of 80 FBS players named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List. One day earlier, he was also named as an official nominee for the 2015 All-State American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team.
The Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," is presented annually by the All Sports Association in Fort Walton Beach Florida. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from the University of Florida, the Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the FBS player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 3, and finalists will be announced on Nov. 24. A formal announcement of the winner will be on Dec. 8 at the National Football Foundation's press conference in New York City. The presentation of the trophy will occur at the 47th Annual All Sports Association Awards Banquet on Feb. 12, 2016, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
The select group of student-athletes nominated for the Good Works Team are able to balance academics and athletics, while remaining committed to helping others and bettering their communities. Comprised of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA, the final roster of 22 award recipients will be unveiled in September.
Earlier this summer, Italiano was tabbed "Smartest Player in College Football" in NFL.com's 15 for '15 series. The pre-med/biochemistry major carries a 3.978 heading into his fourth academic year.
A standout on the field and in the classroom, Italiano is a two-time Academic All-America selection, including first team honors in 2014. On the gridiron, he has made 195 career tackles, forced five fumbles and intercepted four passes, helping him earn spots on both Athlon and Phil Steele's Preseason All-Mid-American Conference Second Teams.
Kent State season and single-game tickets are on sale now along with season and single-game Family Plans and Pick 3 Mini Plans.
