University of Florida senior long snapper James Smith (Gainesville, Fla.) was selected as one of 164 semifinalists for the 2008 Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, as announced by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) on Wednesday. With the recognition by the NFF, Smith also becomes a candidate for the 2008 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards.

Known in many circles as the “Academic” Heisman, the Draddy Trophy continues to be one of college football’s most sought-after and competitive awards, recognizing and individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.

Florida joins Nebraska, Ohio State and Tennessee as one of only four schools in the nation to have more than one recipient of the Trophy, as Brad Culpepper received the award in 1991 and Danny Wuerffel was the 1996 recipient.

Smith has appeared in 43 games during his career at Florida as the long snapper and has also been an important member of special teams on the kickoff unit. He is a three-time member of the Leadership Committee, which is a group of players selected by head coach Urban Meyer based on commitment, character and leadership who serve as spokesmen for the team regarding team policies, team academics and any off-campus situations that arise. A two-time member of UF’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Smith graduated from Florida in August of 2008 with a 3.5 grade point average and bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship at Florida and is on track to graduate in May of 2009.

In addition to his academic success, Smith has been active in the local community as a member of the Goodwill Gators, has volunteered his time at the local YMCA and participated in the Climb for Cancer Sports Camp.

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 founded the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a stunning 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each finalist will also be recognized that night as part of the 2008 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The winner will be announced at the NFF Awards Dinner on Dec. 9 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

-UF-