Senior Idaho linebacker Ed Hall — when he isn’t busy on the field tracking down running backs, spends his time earning high achievements in the classroom. The National Football Foundation recognized Hall’s hard work, naming his as a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.
No other Idaho athlete has received the honor.
The award, according to an Idaho press release, is awared to “the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation.” Hall will be joined by 179 semifinalists from both the NCAA and NAIA.
Between 12 and 14 athletes will receive an $18,000 scholarship for post-graduation Oct. 13.
If Hall is selected as a finalist, he will travel to New York City for a chance to win a $25,000 scholarship.
A mechanical engineer entering his final year of school, Hall earned a 3.83 grade-point average, according to the press release, while standing as the Vandals’ leading tackler on the season.
“The NFF would like to personally congratulate each of the nominees as well as their schools and coaches on their tremendous accomplishments,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell in the press release. “We are extremely proud to highlight each semifinalist’s achievements, showcasing their ability to balance academics and athletics at the highest level. The NFF Awards Committee will have an incredibly difficult task in selecting the finalists from this outstanding group of candidates.”
Brandon Hill can be reached at [email protected]