IRVING, Texas – The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday that East Stroudsburg University defensive tackle Daryn Blackwell was named one of 201 semifinalists for the prestigious William V. Campell Trophy.
In its 34th year, the Campell Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Blackwell is one of just 15 NCAA Division II representatives and joins California (Pa.)'s Jack Colecchi and Slippery Rock's Yuriy Hryckowian as the three PSAC semifinalists.
"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 a 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."
Blackwell, who graduated with his bachelor's degree in sports management from ESU in 2022 and a master's degree in management and leadership in sport management in 2023, is currently pursuing an additional master's degree in sports administration. He graduated with a 3.77 GPA as an undergraduate and earned Summa Cum Laude honors with his master's degree.
An avid Warrior in the community, Blackwell serves as the PSAC Student-Athlete Advisory Council Co-Chair, the President of ESU SAAC, a member of Chi Sigma Mu and Sigma Beta Delta honor societies, The Hidden Opponent Campus Captain, among many other volunteering campaigns.
The Toms River, N.J. native is a rare two-sport athlete, serving as a captain for the ESU men's track and field team as a three-time all-conference honoree and is a two-time all-region selection. Between football and track and field, Blackwell has been honored by College Sports Communicators on three occasions for Academic All-District accolades.
This season, Blackwell, a four-year starter, has posted 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in just three games. He becomes just the ninth Warrior to become a NFF Campbell Trophy Semifinalist, joining Levi Murphy (2019), Michael Fleming (2018), Devon Ackerman (2017), Jon Schnaars (2015), Bryan Thomson (2014), Robert Bleiler (2013), Matt Freed (2010) and Sam Shuman (2009).
The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Oct. 25, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2023 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 5, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 34th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines and room rates at the ARIA.
Blackwell and the Warriors (4-0), look to stay undefeated on Saturday at Kutztown. Kickoff is set for Noon at Andre Reed Stadium.
