John Urschel of Penn State wins the 2013 Senior CLASS Award® for FBS football

December 23, 2013

Share

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Penn State offensive guard John Urschel has been selected as the 2013 Senior CLASS Award® winner for the NCAA® Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.

The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I FBS football coaches, national football media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I football. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – classroom, community, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

“I am honored and grateful to have been selected the Senior CLASS Award recipient,” Urschel said. “I have tried to represent my team, university and family as best possible during my time at Penn State. I am very appreciative and thank my family, professors, coaches, teammates and friends for all their support and help they have provided with all my academic and football pursuits at Penn State.”

A mathematics major, Urschel finished his undergraduate degree in three years with a 4.0 grade point average, earned his first master’s degree in math in one year and is working on a second master’s degree in math education. He has taught math classes to Penn State students while playing football. In the community, Urschel has participated in the Penn State Uplifting Athletes Lift for Life, an event that has raised nearly $500,000 the last four years for the Kidney Cancer Association, He has also volunteered at the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) Make-A-Wish event, the THON pep rally, the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Summer Games and Relay for Life.

“John Urschel epitomizes what a Penn State student-athlete is all about,” head coach Bill O’Brien said. “He has maximized his opportunities at Penn State by working extremely hard to become a fantastic student and football player who will continue to achieve great things in the next chapter of his life.”

Named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press in 2013, Urschel is also a two-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree. As a starter in every game the past two seasons, the team captain led the Nittany Lions to a 7-5 record in 2013.

“John is the definition of a true student-athlete. He’s shown what a great role model a student-athlete can be for youth everywhere,” said Erik Miner, executive director for the Senior CLASS Award. “His accomplishments on and off the field make him an outstanding representative of the Senior CLASS Award.”

Football 2013 Winner

Name Position School
John Urschel Offensive Guard Penn State

First Team

Name Position School
Derek Carr Quarterback Fresno State
Gabe Ikard Center Oklahoma
Jordan Lynch Quarterback Northern Illinois
AJ McCarron Quarterback Alabama

Second Team

Name Position School
Chris Borland Linebacker Wisconsin
Alden Darby Safety Arizona State
Jake Matthews Offensive Tackle Texas A&M
Cairo Santos Kicker Tulane
Kyle Van Noy Linebacker BYU