Dixon Up for 2015 Wuerffel Trophy

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Syracuse senior punter Riley Dixon is one of a record number of nominees for the 2015 Wuerffel Trophy, the organization announced on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Dixon is one of 93 players from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) being considered for the award.

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. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from the University of Florida, the Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.

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. In addition, he is a semifinalist for the 2015 William V. Campbell Trophy, presented to the nation's top football scholar-athlete.

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.

Dixon, who ranks fourth at Syracuse in career punting average (42.5) and fifth in yards (7,564), had his best game of the year in Week 3 against Central Michigan. He kicked five times with a net average of 50.4 yards per punt against the Chippewas. Three of his punts were downed inside the 20 and none were returned. Dixon was named the Ray Guy Award Player of the Week for the effort.

"I'm so encouraged to see how many outstanding nominations we've received for the 2015 Wuerffel Trophy," Wuerffel said. "Our country is filled with high quality, high character young men playing football, and our mission is to shine the spotlight on them and all the great work they do in their communities."

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.

Semifinalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 3 and the finalists will be announced on Nov. 24. The winner of the 2015 Wuerffel Trophy will be announced on Dec. 8 at the National Football Foundation's press conference in New York City.

This year's recipient will be interviewed at "The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show" on ESPNU and ESPN3 on Dec. 10 prior to The Home Depot College Football Awards Show. The presentation of this year's Wuerffel Trophy will take place at the 47th annual All Sports Association Awards Banquet on Feb. 12, 2016, in Fort Walton Beach.

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