The Campbell Trophy Website
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois senior Malik Turner was named a semifinalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.
Turner is one of the top 181 student-athletes from around the country named to the list. The Campbell Trophy recognizes "the absolute best football student-athlete in the nation." Nominees must have a GPA of at least 3.2, have outstanding football ability, strong leadership and citizenship and be in their final year of playing eligibility.
Turner has been one of the Illini's top offensive threats during his time in Champaign. He was an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection last season, leading the Illini in receptions (48), receiving yards (712) and receiving touchdowns (6).
The Springfield, Illinois, native owns a 3.37 GPA as a recreation, sport and tourism major. His work off the field includes community service trips to multiple elementary schools, the Leadership Summit for middle school students, the daily bread soup kitchen, Lift for Life, and a camp for kids with diabetes.
The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Nov. 1. Finalists will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class. The finalists will travel to New York City for the 60th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 5, where one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 28th William V. Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
