Dec. 23, 2005
TEMPE, Ariz. -
Arizona State University senior offensive lineman Grayling Love has been named one of three finalists for the Bobby Bowden Award, presented annually by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The third annual award recognizes the Division 1A football player who epitomizes the student-athlete who conducts himself as a faith model in the community, in the classroom and on the field. Nominees must have a 3.0 GPA or better. He must also have the backing of his school's Athletic Director and Head Football coach. The award is named after Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden.
Love, who earned his degree in May of 2005, was named Second-Team All-Pacific-10 Conference this season to go along with his second consecutive selection to the Pacific-10 Conference All-Academic First-Team. He was a finalist for the Draddy Trophy, known as the Academic Heisman, the ARA Sportsmanship Award and the Wuerffel Trophy, and was named a National Scholar Athlete Award winner in October, earning an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.
"Grayling Love has become one of the most decorated student-athletes in Arizona State University history," said Head Coach Dirk Koetter. "Ultimately he was selected as a charter member of the Pat Tillman Scholarship Award, given to the top students at the entire university. Grayling embodies all that Pat Tillman stood for. Grayling has achieved at the highest levels of everything her has done, including academics, athletics, community and faith."
The other finalists for the award are D.J. Shockley of Georgia and Ben Obomanu of Auburn. The 2005 Bobby Bowden Award winner will be announced at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Breakfast at the Bowl Championship Series National Championship game site on December 31, 2005. Last year's winner, Billy Bajema of Oklahoma State University, is now with the Washington Redskins.
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