Academic Honors

National Football Foundation Scholar-Athletes

In 1959, The National Football Foundation unveiled its National Scholar-Athlete program. The Foundation's National Scholar-Athlete Awards program consists of graduate fellowships that are awarded on an annual basis to a select group of college football players in their senior year of eligibility who have demonstrated outstanding academic success, exemplary community leadership and superior football performance. Every fall, The National Football Foundation's Awards Committee selects approximately 15 scholar-athletes from across the country for these prestigious fellowships that can be used for postgraduate studies.
1962 - Gary Cuozzo
1993 - Tom Burns
1996 - Tiki Barber
1997 - Stephen Phelan

The Draddy Award

Named in the honor of Vincent dePaul Draddy, who served The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame for 33 years and 19 years as Chairman of the Board, the trophy has become the most prestigious and desirable "academic" award in college football. The trophy, often referred to as the "Academic Heisman," recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.

1993 - Tom Burns

AFCA Academic Achievement Award

The Academic Achievement Award has been presented annually since 1981. The award recognizes a Football Bowl Subdivision school with the highest graduation rate among members of its football team. Virginia has earned the award twice (1985 and 1986). Schools with a 70 percent graduation rate are accorded an honorable mention listing. Virginia has earned that distinction 22 times.

Rhodes Scholar Athletes

Between 1913 and 1932 eight Virginia football players received the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.
1913 - John Ray
1914 - Robert Gooch
1916 - George Anderson
1917 - Arthur Kinsolving
1922 - Eldridge Campbell
1925 - Coleman Walker
1926 - Walter Brown
1932 - Fenton Gentry

CoSIDA Academic All-Americans

Academic All-American are selected by the College Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA). To be considered, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2, be at least a sophomore academically and be a starter or significant reserve.

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