FORT COLLINS — Colorado State linebacker Jeff Horinek was named Wednesday one of 15 finalists for the Draddy Trophy, the “academic Heisman” presented Dec. 9 at the National Football Foundation dinner in New York City.
Horinek, a fifth-year senior and fourth-year starter, will receive a $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a finalist. The winner receives a bronze trophy and a $25,000 scholarship.
He will graduate in May with degrees in health and exercise science and liberal arts with a business emphasis. He carries a 3.92 GPA.
Also Wednesday, CSU tight end Kory Sperry earned his second career John Mackey national tight end of the week honor. Three of his five catches against San Diego State were touchdowns.
“Maybe I don’t have the biggest social life. It’s just my priorities,” Horinek said of balancing schoolwork and football. “I’ve always wanted to do well in school. My mom is a teacher, so that’s an influence.”
Said CSU coach Steve Fairchild: “Jeff is a valuable leader, both in our locker room and in the defensive huddle and on our campus.”
The list of finalists, representing all football levels from the NAIA to BCS conferences, includes Utah kicker Louie Sakoda, Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel and Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell. Only the MWC, Big 12 and Big Ten had multiple entries.
CSU’s last Draddy finalist was Greg Myers in 1995. The most recent area finalists were Colorado’s Brian Daniels and Wyoming’s John Wendling in 2006.
Footnotes.
Safety Klint Kubiak returned to practice this week for the first time since he sprained an ankle Oct. 4. . . . A crowd of at least 25,000 is expected for Saturday’s BYU game.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
