Dixon Named Campbell Trophy Semifinalist

IRVING, Texas – Senior punter Riley Dixon was named a semifinalist for the 2015 William V. Campbell Trophy, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Football Hall of Fame announced on Thursday, Sept. 24. The trophy is annually presented to the top football scholar-athlete in the country.

On the year, Dixon has punted 14 times for 624 yards, an average of 44.6 yards per boot. Nine of his 14 punts have been downed inside the 20-yard line. Dixon currently ranks fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference and 24th in the nation in punting average.

The Blossvale, N.Y. native was named the Ray Guy Award Player of the Week for his performance in the Orange's latest contest against Central Michigan. Dixon punted five times for 252 yards (50.4 avg.) against the Chippewas. He had three punts travel more than 50 yards, including a 60-yarder. In addition, three of his five punts were downed inside the 20-yard line and none of them were returned.

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 NFF will announce the 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each of the finalists will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to New York City for the 58th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. At the event, one member of the class will be declared the winner of the 26th William V. Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.

For more information on the Campbell Trophy, click here.

Syracuse wraps up a four-game Carrier Dome homestand against No. 8 LSU on Saturday, Sept. 26. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. The game will be presented by Tops Friendly Markets and air live on ESPN.

Tickets are available online, by phone (1-888-DOMETIX) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B). In addition, discounted group tickets (20 or more) can be purchased by calling 315-443-3212.

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