Boston College Athletics
Simmons Named to Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
July 15, 2015 | Football
Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- Boston College senior defensive back Justin Simmons was named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the All Sports Association announced on Wednesday. Simmons is one of 80 players named to the list.
The Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," is presented annually by the All Sports Association in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from the University of Florida, the Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the FBS player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Simmons returns as the Eagles top tackler after recording 76 in 2014, including 63 solo stops. He started all 13 games last season, including seven at free safety and the final six at corner. The Stuart, Fla., native was a key member of the BC defense that ranked second in the nation, allowing just 94.5 rushing yards per game and 11th overall, allowing 324.2 yards per game. He was second on the team with five pass breakups, recorded two interceptions, and had a career-high 11 tackles against Colorado State.
The Atlantic Coast Conference led all conferences with 15 players appearing on the 2015 watch list. For the complete watch list, click here.
Voting for the Wuerffel Trophy is performed by a National Selection Committee that includes college football television and print media, industry notables, former head coaches and prior Wuerffel Trophy recipients.
Nominations for the Wuerffel Trophy are made by the respective universities' Sports Information departments and will close on Oct. 15. Semifinalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 3 and finalists will be announced on Nov. 24. Formal announcement of the winner will be on Dec. 8 at the National Football Foundation's press conference in New York City. The presentation of the 2015 Wuerffel Trophy will occur at the 47th Annual All Sports Association Awards Banquet on Feb. 12, 2016 in Fort Walton Beach.
The Wuerffel Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. The 22 awards boast more than 700 years of tradition-selection excellence.
