Frazier Named William V. Campbell Trophy Finalist

West Virginia University offensive lineman Zach Frazier is one of 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy

Wednesday afternoon, the West Virginia University junior center Zach Frazier was named a 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy Finalist by the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame.

The award recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

"We are extremely proud to announce the finalists for this year's Campbell Trophy," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy® recipient) and Eli were NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "These young men have an unrelenting commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives, and they represent all that is right in college football. As strong leaders in the vein of the trophy's namesake Bill Campbell, they all serve as living examples that the 'Future for Football' is bright. We are excited to honor their hard work and outstanding leadership with postgraduate scholarships."

The Fairmont WV native was named a 2023 Preseason All-American by multiple publications and has already earned a spot on the 2021 All-America team (AFCA, Walter Camp) and three All-Big 12 Conference teams over his outstanding career. Additionally, Frazier is a two-time Academic All-Big 12 selection and a 2023 semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy for his academic achievements

Submitted by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the Campbell Trophy must be either a senior player who will complete his final year of eligibility during the 2023 season or be a graduated player who has been enrolled in school at least three (3) years (even if he has remaining eligibility); must have minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; must have outstanding football ability as a starter/significant contributor; and must have exhibited exemplary leadership on the field, in the classroom and within the community. 

"The NFF Awards Committee did an excellent job in selecting this year's National Scholar-Athletes," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Chosen from a record-breaking number of semifinalists, the finalists have undoubtedly distinguished themselves as some of the best student-athletes in the country. Each of these men is a leader on and off the field, and we know that they have only begun to reach their potential."

2023 William V. Campbell Trophy Finalists

Cooper Beebe, OL – Kansas State (3.84 GPA - Social Studies Education)

JD Bertrand, LB – Notre Dame (3.62 GPA - Marketing)

DeWayne Carter, DT – Duke (3.47 GPA - Psychology)

Loobert Denelus, DE – Benedict [SC] (3.96 GPA - Psychology)

Jacob Dobbs, LB – Holy Cross (3.76 GPA - Economics & Religious Studies)

Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT – Penn State (3.45 GPA - Supply Chain & Info Systems)

Zach Frazier, C – West Virginia (3.88 GPA - Sport Management)

Owen Grover, LB – Wartburg [IA] (3.99 GPA - Biology)

Leo Lowin, LB – Army West Point (3.92 GPA - Engineering Management)

Ladd McConkey, WR – Georgia (3.85 GPA - Finance)

Bo Nix, QB – Oregon (3.62 GPA - Communications)

Davius Richard, QB – North Carolina Central (3.59 GPA - Business Administration)

Luke Schuermann, DE – Johns Hopkins [MD] (3.61 GPA - Mechanical Engineering)

Taulia Tagovailoa, QB – Maryland (3.61 GPA - Family Science)

Liam Thompson, QB – Wabash [IN] (3.87 GPA - Rhetoric)

Zak Zinter, OL – Michigan (3.53 GPA - Sport Management)

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