2008 NFF NATIONAL SCHOLAR-ATHLETES

Selected as the best and the brightest from the college gridiron and a nationwide pool of 164 semifinalists among all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) recognized 15 winners of the prestigious NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards in 2008.

The NFF's National Scholar-Athlete program, launched in 1959, is recognized as the first and most prestigious initiative in the history of college sports to honor football players for their combined athletic ability, academic success and civic leadership. Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Selected by the NFF Awards Committee, the 15 National Scholar-Athlete Award recipients were honored at the 2008 NFF Annual Awards Dinner December 9 at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.

Each recipient received an $18,000 post-graduate. A total distribution of more than $275,000 in scholarships was awarded that evening.

BIOS FOR THE 2008 NATIONAL SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD WINNERS
(In alphabetical order)

ANDREW BERRY
Cornerback, Harvard University
Economics/Computer Science - 3.75 GPA
Recipient of the Harold Alfond National Scholar- Athlete Award

One of the Ivy League's premier student-athletes, Harvard's Andrew Berry has shown unparalleled dedication to both athletics and academics, becoming the Crimson's seventh NFF National Scholar- Athlete.

Named a John Harvard Scholar, ranking among the school's top five percent in grade point average, Berry was chosen as a 2007 ESPN The Magazine First Team Academic All-America selection as well as an Academic All-Ivy League pick. One of the Boston Globe's top students in the City of Boston, he was the lone choice from Harvard, working towards a degree in economics and a secondary degree in computer science.

A two-time First Team All-Ivy League cornerback, the four-year starter has amassed 95 tackles and four interceptions during his career. In 2007, Berry did not have a ball thrown against him in man-on-man coverage in four consecutive games, as Harvard led the nation in pass defense. He also serves as the team's holder on field goal opportunities and returns kicks on special teams.

The Bel Air, Md., native was an elected member of the Harvard Crimson Team Leadership Council in 2006 and '07 and was named to the 2008 AllState/AFCA Good Works First Team. Berry is the director of the Cambridge Youth Enrichment Program, which serves the needs of 150 low-income children ages 6-13, and a broadcast ministries member of Mt. Calvary Church.

RYAN BERRY
Quarterback, South Dakota State University
Pre-Med/Biology - 3.80 GPA
Recipient of the Robert A. Simms National Scholar- Athlete Award

The first-ever NFF National Scholar-Athlete in the history of South Dakota State football, Ryan Berry's dedication to his team and the university community goes far beyond the playing field.

Working towards a bachelor's degree in biology in hopes of attending medical school, Berry is a two-time Academic All-Great West Football Conference selection and a six-time member of the SDSU Dean's List. He is also a Yellow and Blue Academic Scholarship winner and the recipient of the William and Bryne Griffith Academic Scholarship.

A two-year starter, Berry led the Jackrabbits to the 2007 Great West Football Conference title, the team's first since 1963. Making an immediate impact at SDSU, the Watertown, S.D., native tied a single-game school record with five touchdown passes in his first career start. He has completed 440 passes for 5,152 yards and 46 touchdowns in his collegiate career.

Actively involved in the community, Berry has participated in reading programs at local elementary schools and visited area children's hospitals and retirement homes. He is a member of the Student- Athlete Advisory Committee and served as a volunteer for the Student-Athletes Fall Carnival and youth football clinics.

CHASE DANIEL
Quarterback, University of Missouri
Business Administration - 3.40 GPA
Recipient of the National Football League Scholar- Athlete Award

The most prolific quarterback in Missouri history, Chase Daniel has broken nearly every school passing record while leading the Tigers to national championship contention the last three years.

A two-time First Team Academic All-Big 12 selection, Daniel has been named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll four times and was named to ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-District First Team in 2006. He was also chosen among all MU business school students to meet legendary investor Warren Buffett.

A 2007 Heisman Trophy finalist, Daniel led Mizzou to its first-ever Big 12 North Division title and MU's highest-ever final AP ranking (No. 4) last season. The Southlake, Texas, native was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2007 as well as an AP Second Team All-America selection. Having already accumulated more than 10,000 career passing yards, Daniel holds 27 school records, including career completion percentage (65.6), career touchdown passes (85), and most 300-yard passing games in a career (18).

In his spare time, Daniel has taken part in hospital visits and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake charity. He also participated in events surrounding the St. Louis Cardinals' Opening Day ceremonies.

Missouri's last NFF National Scholar-Athlete was Brad Smith in 2005.

BRIAN FREEMAN
Offensive Tackle, Carnegie Mellon University (Pa.)
Chemical & Biomedical Engineering - 3.95 GPA
Recipient of the F.M. Kirby National Scholar-Athlete Award Funded by The National Football Foundation

The ideal role model on the Carnegie Mellon campus, Brian Freeman carries his on-field excellence into the classroom and community, establishing himself as the Tartans' third NFF National Scholar- Athlete.

A two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America selection, garnering First Team laurels in 2007, Freeman was named to CMU's Dean's List every semester of his college career and is the recipient of the Chemical Engineer Alumni Scholarship. The chemical and biomedical engineering major was also selected to the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Hailing from Independence, Ohio, Freeman played an instrumental role in establishing Carnegie Mellon's rushing attack as one of the best in Division III, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2006 and 2007. A key ingredient in the Tartans' dominating rushing attack, Freeman created holes for a pair of running backs with 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. The team captain was named a 2007 All- University Athletic Association First Team selection after receiving Honorable Mention All-UAA honors in 2006.

Freeman is a member of the Chemical Engineering Association and the Student Athlete Advisory Council. He performs research in the University of Pittsburgh's Chemical Engineering program and is a three-time Carnegie Mellon Student Employee of the Year finalist.

CASEY GERALD
Cornerback, Yale University
Political Science - 3.69 GPA
Recipient of the William V. Campbell National Scholar- Athlete Award

A Rhodes Scholar semifinalist and a three-year starter, few can match the unparalleled success of Yale's Casey Gerald on and off the playing field.

A political science major at one of the nation's premier academic institutions, Gerald has already been accepted to Harvard Business School and was named a Gates Millennium Scholar. He participated in Harvard's Summer Ventures Management Program en route to be recognized as the 2008 Levi Jackson Scholar for character, intellect, achievement and leadership.

The five-time Yale Defensive Back of the Week led a 2007 defensive unit that topped the Football Championship Subdivision in scoring defense and ranked No. 3 in pass efficiency defense. The Dallas, Texas, native was named the Walter Camp Player of the Game in the Bulldogs' victory over Princeton last season and was instrumental helping Yale to its first Ivy League title in seven years in 2006.

As the co-founder and president of the Yale Black Men's Union, he developed partnerships with various campus organizations to promote intercultural relations and established the BMU Mentoring Program, which focuses on personal growth, educational assistance and recreational activities for young men in the New Haven area. Gerald is also a Yale Student Ambassador and has served as a site coordinator for the Mayor's Open Schools Program.

Gerald is the tenth NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Yale history.

GRAHAM HARRELL
Quarterback, Texas Tech University
History - 3.38 GPA

Texas Tech's all-time leading passer, Graham Harrell has stifled rival defenses en route to leading the Red Raiders to a 25-9-0 record during his prolific career and a current No. 7 ranking in the BCS Standings.

Graduating with a bachelor's degree in history in only three-and-a-half years, Harrell was named an Academic All-Big 12 selection in 2007. A five-time member of the Texas Tech Dean's List, he has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in his first 15 hours of postgraduate studies in education.

One of only six players in NCAA history to record a 5,000-yard passing season, Harrell holds seven NCAA passing records, including most yards gained in two seasons (10,260) and most games gaining 400 or more yards in a season (11). A 2007 Second Team All-Big 12 selection, he has thrown 117 career passing touchdowns. With one 600-yard game to his credit, the 2008 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl MVP has completed 1,216 passes for 13,829 yards in his career, ranking fourth among the NCAA's all-time leading passers.

The Ennis, Texas, native has participated in visits to local children's hospitals and nursing homes. He has also volunteered for Raider Fun Day and reading programs at local elementary schools.

Harrell is Texas Tech's fourth NFF National Scholar- Athlete, following Kliff Kingsbury in 2002.

QUIN HARRIS
Linebacker, Louisiana Tech University
Clinical Kinesiology - 3.80 GPA

Referred to as "a coach's dream" by Louisiana Tech head coach and athletics director Derek Dooley, Quin Harris has all the intangibles that make him the quintessential pick as the Bulldogs' first-ever NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

Registering a perfect 4.0 GPA five of his last six quarters of his undergraduate studies, Harris graduated magna cum laude with a degree in kinesiology last May. A three-time Academic All-WAC selection, he landed on at least the Dean's List every quarter in college except one. Harris is now pursuing a master's in exercise physiology and sports performance.

The Visalia, Calif., native is a three-year letterman, garnering Louisiana Sports Writers Association All- Louisiana Team recognition in 2006 and '07. The Second Team All-WAC performer and team captain has tallied 270 career tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, and three interceptions.

Active in the community, Harris is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the three-year vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He has participated in community service projects through Habitat for Humanity, Lift for Learning, St. Jude's, the Northeast Louisiana Food Drive and local elementary schools.

JEFF HORINEK
Linebacker, Colorado State University
Exercise Science/Liberal Arts - 3.92 GPA
Recipient of the Jefferson Walker Kirby National Scholar-Athlete Award

Arguably one of the finest student-athletes in Colorado State history, Jeff Horinek has established himself among the nation's elite both on and off the college gridiron.

Twice the recipient of the Rams Head Academic Excellence Award, Horinek was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team in 2007. A three-time Academic All-Mountain West pick, the Atwood, Kan., native garnered the 2007-08 Merrill Gheen Male Student-Athlete of the Year Award at CSU. With a dual-major in exercise science and liberal arts, Horinek was chosen as the recipient of the 2007 Air Force Game Water Pik Academic Excellence Award last season.

In 2007, the two-time Honorable Mention All-Mountain West selection led the Rams with 94 tackles, the most by a Colorado State player in four years. The team captain and four-year starter has logged 274 career tackles and was named a Freshman All-America Honorable Mention selection in 2005.

Horinek has participated in the Ram Jam Children's Community Event for four years and has tallied numerous hours of service at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, Colo. He has also volunteered for the "Cans Around the Oval" campus-wide event, which is the largest food drive in Northern Colorado, while dedicating 60 hours of service to the Human Performance and Clinical Research Lab at CSU.

Greg Myers was Colorado State's last NFF National Scholar-Athlete in 1995.

RYAN KEES
Defensive End, St. Cloud State University (Minn.)
Mechanical Engineering - 3.80 GPA
Recipient of the E. Douglas Kenna National Scholar- Athlete Award

One of Division II's most heralded defensive players, St. Cloud State's Ryan Kees has also excelled in the classroom by successfully tackling a mechanical engineering major with aplomb.

Twice named to the North Central Conference's All- Academic Team, the Eagan, Minn., native received First Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District recognition in 2007. A six-time member of the SCSU Dean's List, Kees registered a perfect 4.0 GPA four semesters and was named to the NCC Commissioner's Honor Roll two times.

The 2007 Daktronics All-North Central Region Second Team selection was named the Huskies' Defensive Player of the Year last season. A First Team All-NCC pick in 2007, Kees ranks sixth all-time at St. Cloud with 9.5 career sacks and is tied for eighth in tackles for loss with 18.5. He was also a 2007 First Team All- Northwest Region pick by Don Hansen's Football Gazette.

Kees is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) and has served as a "Husky Hauler" on campus move-in day. He volunteers for a youth football program on Saturday mornings and has participated in the reading program at a local elementary school.

Kees is St. Cloud's third NFF National Scholar-Athlete, following Ryan Koch in 2005.

ALEX MACK
Center, University of California
Legal Studies - 3.61 GPA

The epitome of the term "student-athlete," California's Alex Mack has earned the respect of many, possessing the perfect blend of academic excellence, athletic prowess and community leadership.

Having already graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in legal studies, the three-time Academic All-Pac-10 selection is currently pursuing a master's in education. In an article by Eric Gilmore of CalBears.com, several of Mack's teammates have noted seeing the two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District pick "walking around with a book all the time," and acknowledge that Mack "puts in the time to succeed" when it comes to school and football.

Equally impressive, Mack was one of only three players to be named a unanimous 2007 First Team All-Pac-10 selection en route to earning the Morris Trophy as the conference's top offensive lineman. Named a First Team All-America by The Sporting News, the Santa Barbara, Calif., native was a 2007 Rimington Trophy finalist and leader of an offensive unit that allowed the fewest sacks (24) in the Pac-10 in 2006 and '07.

A member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Mack was the literal poster boy for Cal's "Dancing with the Stars" fundraising event, which raised money for underprivileged children in the San Francisco area. He was selected as a summer guest columnist for the Sporting New Today and has participated in an after-school program with local elementary schools.

Je'Rod Cherry (1995) was the Bears' last NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

RYAN MCDONALD
Offensive Lineman, University of Illinois
Aerospace Engineering - 3.81 GPA
Recipient of the Coach Lou Saban National Scholar- Athlete Award Funded by George M. Steinbrenner III

Illinois' Ryan McDonald has effectively balanced gridiron success and academic excellence, becoming the eighth Fighting Illini player named an NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

A 2007 ESPN The Magazine First Team Academic All- America selection, McDonald was named the 2008 Anson Mount Scholar-Athlete Award recipient. An honors graduate of Illinois' prestigious aerospace engineering program, which is ranked among the top five in the country, he was named to the Dean's List or better every semester of his undergraduate career. McDonald was also a three-time Academic All-Big Ten choice.

A four-year starter, the Holland, Mich., native is on pace to break the school record for most starts in a career. A vital part of the Illini offense that led the Big Ten in rushing in 2006 and '07, McDonald led Illinois to a record-breaking 2007 season and the team's first trip to the Rose Bowl since 1984. He was key to an offensive line that set the school record for fewest sacks allowed in a season (16) in 2007.

In honor of his mother, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, McDonald organized a team of fellow players for the 2008 MS Walk, raising$1,500 for the charity. He is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

GREG MICHELI
Quarterback, Mount Union College (Ohio)
Physics/Mathematics - 3.84 GPA
Recipient of the William Pearce/Joseph V. Paterno National Scholar-Athlete Award
Funded by William A. Schreyer

The leader of one of the nation's most dominant football programs in history, Mount Union's Greg Micheli successfully captains Division III's No. 1 team while managing a double major in physics and mathematics.

A 2007 ESPN The Magazine First Team Academic All- America selection, Micheli hopes to pursue a master's in financial engineering following graduation. Named a two-time Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference pick, earning unanimous laurels in 2007, the Upper Sandusky, Ohio, native is the recipient of the Mount Union College Presidential Scholarship.

Micheli is Division III's top-rated signal caller, boasting a 231.98 passer rating. The 2006 Stagg Bowl MVP and 2007 First Team All-American has completed 458 passes for 6,637 yards and 67 touchdowns in his career, adding 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Micheli has been a vital part of a Mount Union program that has advanced to three-straight Division III National Championship games.

A member of the Physics Society and the MUC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Micheli speaks to high school students on the values of sportsmanship and education. He was also selected to write a weekly blog on student-athlete life on NCAA.com.

Mount Union's only NFF National Scholar-Athletes have come in the last two years, as Micheli follows the 2007 honoree Eric Safran.

DARRYL RICHARD
Defensive Tackle, Georgia Tech
Management - 3.52 GPA
Recipient of the John H. McConnell National Scholar- Athlete Award

A natural leader, Georgia Tech's Darryl Richard has maintained academic and athletic success while continually working towards the betterment of the Georgia Tech Athletic Association throughout his collegiate career.

A three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll selection, Richard was named a 2007 ESPN The Magazine Second Team Academic All-America pick. Currently working towards a master's in business administration, the Destrehan, La., native graduated with honors in management in May 2007 and is a member of the Georgia Tech All-Academic team, which recognizes the top scholar-athlete in each sport.

A three-year starter and team captain, Richard has registered 87 career tackles, including 29 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Named to the 2008 Lott Trophy and Bednarik Award watch lists, he was instrumental in the Yellow Jackets' last two postseason berths in the 2007 Toyota Gator Bowl and the 2007 Roady's Humanitarian Bowl.

Perhaps Georgia Tech's most active scholar-athlete, Richard is the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Board and oversaw the implementation of the organization's monthly newsletter as well as the "Code Gold Event," which encourages support among Tech student-athletes. A 2007 Wuerffel Trophy finalist, he was selected as a member of the university's Presidential Search Committee, the NCAA Certification Committee and the GT Auxiliary Service Student Leadership Advisory Group.

Richard is Tech's third NFF National Scholar-Athlete, following Sheldon Fox in 1980.

BRIAN ROBISKIE
Wide Receiver, Ohio State University
Marketing - 3.54 GPA
Recipient of the Coach Eddie Robinson National Scholar-Athlete Award
Funded by The George M. Steinbrenner Family and the New York Yankees Foundation

Described as "a young man who exemplifies the best of both facets of the student-athlete balance" by Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel, Brian Robiskie continues the storied tradition of great Buckeyes named as NFF National Scholar-Athletes.

An honors student in Ohio State's nationally known Fisher College of Business, Robiskie was named a 2007 ESPN The Magazine First Team Academic All- America selection and was one of three male finalists for the 2008 Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Award. The Academic All-Big Ten pick was also a five-time Dean's List honoree at OSU.

The Buckeyes' leading receiver in 2007, Robiskie has led Ohio State to three consecutive Big Ten championships and a spot in the last two national championship games. The Cleveland, Ohio, native was named a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist last season as well as a Second Team All-Big Ten selection. Robiskie has caught 115 career receptions for 1,629 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Active in projects through the Student-Athlete Activities Board, Robiskie participates in hospital visits and speaks to local elementary and middle school students in the local area. He also honored in a political resolution from Councilmen Hearcel Craig of the Columbus City Council.

Robiskie is Ohio State's 20th NFF National Scholar- Athlete.

LOUIE SAKODA
Punter/Kicker, University of Utah
Marketing - 3.73 GPA

One of the country's most potent special teams threats, Louie Sakoda's classroom success is as impressive as the No. 10 Utes' place in the national spotlight this season.

A three-time Academic All-Mountain West selection, the San Jose, Calif., native garnered Utah's Athletics- Academics Honor Roll recognition in each semester of his collegiate career. The marketing major has been named a Mountain West Scholar-Athlete since his freshman year and was a Dean's List honoree three times.

The two-time Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year received First Team All-America recognition as both a place kicker and a punter in 2007. Sakoda is the only dual punter/kicker in the country ranked in the top 10 nationally in both punting average (43.0 yards) and field goal percentage (88.2). He ranks fourth in the nation among active players with 9,249 career punt yards and 219 career punts, holding the school record in both categories.

Vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Sakoda is involved in Team Lincoln, which organizes recess activities for at-risk children. He has also worked with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to raise money for humanitarian efforts around the world and has been a volunteer worker at the Chris Sailer National Kicking and Snapping Event in Las Vegas the past three years.

Utah's last NFF National Scholar-Athlete was Melville Carpenter in 1964.

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