Orio named semifinalist for Draddy Trophy
Orio, who graduated from Northeastern summa cum laude with a degree in Biochemistry this past May, is currently pursuing a master's degree in Applied Nutrition.
On the field, he has started all five games this season and has 1,032 yards and six TD passes. He is currently first all-time at Northeastern in career completion percentage, fourth in career passing yards and seventh in career passing touchdowns.
There are a total of 164 semifinalists for the award, which will trim the list down to 15 finalists on Oct. 29.
"The Draddy Trophy is one of college football's most sought after and competitive awards," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning whose sons Peyton (Draddy winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "It recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership, and we're incredibly proud to select the next winner from this remarkable group of semifinalists."
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 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback who developed the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.
"The Draddy semifinalists represent everything good about college football," said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. "They are another fine example of how football builds leaders, and it is the NFF's duty to promote their accomplishments while encouraging future generations of gridiron standouts to aim high on and off the football field."
Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2008 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, will be announced at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner on December 9 at the prestigious Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. A total distribution of more than $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.
Orio and the Huskies are 2-3 this season, 1-0 in CAA Football. They battle Massachusetts next Saturday at 12 p.m.
Oct. 5, 2008
Boston, MANortheastern football's senior quarterback Anthony Orio was named a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy, given to the nation's best player both athletically and academically, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced last week.
