Kyle Ochsner, a senior running back from Sutton, Neb., was named a 2008 Draddy Trophy Semifinalist announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame.
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, semifinalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a Manhatten College quarterback who developed the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship. Ochsner is one of 12 players in the NAIA named to the semifinal list and one of 164 student athletes within all divisions of collegiate football.
"The Draddy Trophy is one of college football's most sought after and competitive awards," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning whose sons Peyton (winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "It recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership."
Ochsner is a two-year letter winner for the Red Raiders and one of four captains off this year's squad. He is leading his team in rushing with 216 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an impressive 9.4 yards per carry. In his career at Northwestern, Ochsner has gained over 700 yards of total offense and has reached the end-zone 10 times. A senior athletic training major, Ochsner is the son of Lon and Linda.
Ochsner joins past Red Raiders named semifinalist to the Draddy Trophy, Blake Reinke (2006) and Scott Stahl (2007).
2008 media guide
