Durand Named Draddy Trophy Semifinalist

Senior guard Ryan Durand is one of 57 Football Bowl Subdivision student-athletes to be named a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation 2008 Draddy Trophy. One of college football's most sought after and competitive awards, the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. A total of 164 student-athletes from both subdivisions vie for the honor.

The award, which is named after NFF Chairman Vincent DePaul Draddy, requires student-athletes to have a GPA 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.

Durand, a Leominster, Mass., native, has started 28 games at right guard for the Orange. He was a 2007 ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA District I All-Academic Team selection, has been a BIG EAST Academic All-Star selection every year and an Athletic Director's Honor Roll member every semester. Durand, who is one of five BIG EAST scholar-athletes under consideration for the award, is majoring in health and exercise science. Durand regularly participates in the ‘Cuse Cares Community Program, working with children, at risk youth and the elderly.

The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2008 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $25,000 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 Dec. 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.

Durand and Orange return to the field on Saturday, Oct. 11 at West Virginia (12:00 p.m., ESPNU).

Syracuse University Athletics

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