Nakobe Dean named a semifinalist for the 2021 Wuerffel Trophy

UGA football junior linebacker Nakobe Dean has been named a semifinalist for the 2021 Wuerffel Trophy, the Chick-fil-A Foundation has announced.

The Wuerffel Trophy, named after former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, is presented by the Chick-fil-A Foundation to the college football player who “best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.”

“Once again, I’m amazed by the quality of the student athletes who impact and influence others in their communities,” said Danny Wuerffel. “We are so excited for these young men who represent the best in serving others and inspiring others to follow their lead.  Congratulations to the 2021 Wuerffel Trophy semifinalists.”

Below are the nine semifinalists for this year’s trophy:

• Kekaula Kaniho, Boise State University, senior, defensive back
• James Empey, Brigham Young University, junior, offensive line
• Austin Williams, Mississippi State University, senior, wide receiver
• Sean Clifford, Pennsylvania State University, senior, quarterback
• Isaiah Sanders, Stanford University, senior, quarterback
• Elijah Hicks, University of California, senior, defensive back
• Nakobe Dean, University of Georgia, junior, linebacker
• Mac Brown, University of Mississippi, senior, punter
• Patrick Fields, University of Oklahoma, senior, defensive back
• Mo Hasan, University of Southern California, senior, quarterback
• Brock Hoffman, Virginia Tech, junior, offensive line
• Mike Caliendo, Western Michigan University, senior, offensive line

Finalists for the 2021 Wuerffel Trophy will be announced on Tuesday, November 23. The winner will be announced on Thursday, December 9 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN.

From UGA:

Dean, who has a 3.53 in his Mechanical Engineering major, has been named to the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his dedication to the community.  Among other volunteer activities, Dean has helped with “Dawgs for Pups,” been a visitor at Camp Sunshine, given his time to Extra Special People (ESP) during the “Bulldogs and Buddies” practice visitation and participated in the Read Across America at local schools.

Nakobe Dean, who hails from Horn Lake, Miss., is the second-leading tackler for Georgia this season with 37, which includes five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Dean also has two interceptions, one of which he returned 50 yards for a touchdown against Florida.

The Georgia Bulldogs (8-0, 6-0 SEC) are scheduled to host the Missouri Tigers (4-4, 1-3) this Saturday at Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga. The game will be televised by ESPN at Noon ET.

2021 UGA Football Schedule