Riley Dixon Named to Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Syracuse University senior punter Riley Dixon was one of 80 players named to the 2015 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, which was released on Wednesday, July 15 by the All Sports Association. Named after College Football Hall of Fame quarterback Danny Wuerffel, the award is presented annually to the FBS player that best combines community service with athletic and academic achievement.

An All-Atlantic Coast Conference Honorable Mention selection in 2014, Dixon punted 75 times for 3,182 yards last season. The Blossvale, N.Y. native averaged 42.4 yards per punt, including a season-long boot of 60 yards at Wake Forest. He ranks in the top 10 in most Syracuse career punting categories, includiing most yards (6th - 6,452), highest average (4th - 42.2) and most attempts (9th - 153). He also holds the team record for the longest punt with a 75-yard boot against Clemson in 2013.

Off the field, Dixon is a standout in the classroom. He has earned SU Athletic Director's Honor Roll accolades eight times during his collegiate career. In addition, he was named to the 2012 BIG EAST All-Academic Team and 2013 and 2014 All-ACC Academic Teams.

Dixon's community service work includes visiting disabled veterans at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, speaking to disciplined youth at the Onondaga County Justice Center, and visiting the Elmcrest Children's Center. In high school, Dixon was a member of the peer ministry at Christian Brothers Academy.

The ACC leads all conferences with 15 players appearing on the 2015 watch list. In addition to Dixon, Justin Simmons (Boston College), Kelby Brown (Duke), Roberto Aguayo (Florida State), Keshun Freeman (Georgia Tech), James Burgess (Louisville), Dallas Crawford (Miami), Shakeel Rashad (North Carolina), Tony Adams (NC State), Adam Bisonwaty (Pittsburgh), Chad Voytik (Pittsburgh), James Conner (Pittsburgh), Demetrious Nicholson (Virginia), Luther Maddy (Virginia Tech), and Ryan Janvion (Wake Forest) all were recognized on the initial list.

Voting for the Wuerffel Trophy is performed by a national selection committee. That committee consists of college football television and print media, industry notables, former head coaches, and prior Wuerffel Trophy recipients.

For more information on the Wuerffel Trophy, visit http://www.footballfoundation.org/Home.aspx.

Syracuse opens the 2015 season at home on Friday, Sept. 4 against Rhode Island. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.

Season tickets and mini-packs are available online, by phone (1-888-DOMETIX), at Destiny USA kiosks and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B). In addition, discounted group tickets (20 or more) for all home games can be purchased by calling 315-443-3212.

Syracuse Players on 2015 NCFAA Watch Lists
Rimington Trophy: Rob Trudo
Lou Groza Award: Cole Murphy
Wuerffel Trophy: Riley Dixon

Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Riley Dixon

Cole Murphy

Rob Trudo

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