The Wuerffel Trophy has announced its 12 semifinalists for the 2021 award. Known as College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service, the trophy is presented annually to the Football Bowl Subdivision player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
The 2021 semifinalists include James Empey, a junior on the offensive line for Brigham Young University. Other semifinalists are Kekaula Kaniho of Boise State University, Austin Williams of Mississippi State University, Sean Clifford of Pennsylvania State University, Isaiah Sanders of Stanford University, Elijah Hicks of the University of California, Nakobe Dean of the University of Georgia, Mac Brown of the University of Mississippi, Patrick Fields of the University of Oklahoma, Mo Hasan of the University of Southern California, Brock Hoffman of Virginia Tech, and Mike Caliendo of Western Michigan University.
Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida for whom the award is named, stated that he is amazed by the quality of student athletes who impact and influence others in their communities. He expressed excitement for the young men representing the best in serving and inspiring others to follow their lead.
Nominations for the award are submitted by university Sports Information departments and were closed on October 15. The three finalists are scheduled to be announced on November 23. The 2021 recipient will be announced on December 9 during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN, with the formal presentation occurring on February 25, 2022, at the 53rd All Sports Association Awards Banquet in Fort Walton Beach.
The Wuerffel Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Since its inception in 2005, the award has honored over 1,400 nominees and is supported by corporate partners Dart Container Corporation/Solo Cup and Herff Jones.
