University of Dayton senior tight end Bart Bergfeld has been named a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame’s Draddy Trophy, it was announced today. In addition, the Delphos, Ohio native is a candidates for the 2008 NFF National Scholar- Athlete Award.

The Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, has been referred to as “the academic Heisman.” One of college football's most sought after and competitive awards, the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.

Cramer, a 2005 Delphos St. John’s High School graduate, has started all four games this season. He is third for the Flyers in receiving with eight catches for 78 yards. He carries a 3.95 GPA while majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Religious Studies.

He is one of 164 semifinalists from all levels of college football. 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, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback who developed the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2008 National Scholar- Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, will be announced at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner on December 4 at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. A total distribution of more than $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.

Launched in 1959, the NFF scholar-athlete program became the first initiative in history to credit a player for both academic and athletic accomplishments. The Draddy, first awarded in 1990, adds to the program's mystique. Past Draddy winners include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist and a Heisman winner.

"The Draddy Trophy is one of college football's most sought after and competitive awards," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning whose sons Peyton (Draddy 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, and we're incredibly proud to select the next winner from this remarkable group of semifinalists."

Last season, Flyer safety Brandon Cramer was a Draddy Trophy finalist and a member of the 2007 National Scholar-Athlete Class.

Dayton is back in action Saturday when the Flyers host Campbell at 1:00 p.m. ET at Welcome Stadium in UD’s Pioneer Football League season opener.

For more information, log onto DaytonFlyers.com.

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