Nov. 11, 2009

TEMPE, Ariz. -

Arizona State University senior linebacker Mike Nixon has been named a finalist for the 2009 Wuerffel Trophy, the national award that honors the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.

Nixon (Phoenix, Ariz.) is one of 12 finalists for the award and the only finalist from the Pac-10 Conference. He was recently named an ESPN The Magazine First Team Academic All-District VIII selection for the third straight year, the only Sun Devil to ever earn First Team honors three times. He is a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy and was a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy. Nixon leads the Sun Devils in tackles with 53, including 4.5 for loss. He has recorded half a QB sack, blocked a punt, forced three fumbles, broken up four passes and intercepted three passes, including one he returned for a touchdown. He earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors last season.

The Wuerffel Trophy is named after former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who led the Florida Gators to the 1996 national championship, played six years in the National Football League and has received national recognition for his humanitarian and community service efforts with Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans and around the country.

A committee that includes the Wuerffel Trophy national directors and selection committee members will vote on the finalists later this month, and the winner will be formally announced on December 8. The 2009 Wuerffel Trophy will be presented to the winner at the All Sports Association’s 41st Annual Awards Banquet on February 19, 2010.

2009 Wuerffel Trophy Finalists
Mike Nixon, LB, Arizona State
Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan
Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Zoltan Meski, P, Michigan
Blair White, WR, Michigan State
Andrew Brewer, WR, Northwestern
Andrew Sendejo, S, Rice
Dominique Harris, DB, Temple
Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
Zane Beadles, OL, Utah
Reed Williams, LB, West Virginia
Tim Hiller, QB, Western Michigan