Penn State LB Brandon Smith named semifinalist for ‘Academic Heisman’

Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith has been named one of 181 semifinalists for the 2017 William V. Campbell Trophy, widely regarded as the “Academic Heisman,” the National Football Foundation announced Wednesday.

The 12-14 finalists will be announced Nov. 1, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship. The winner will be announced Dec. 5 in New York City, and his scholarship will increase to $25,000.

John Urschel was the last Nittany Lion to win the award, in 2013. Finalists come from both the NAIA and from all divisions of the NCAA.

Smith is one of nine semifinalists from the Big Ten. The others include Wisconsin’s Joe Ferguson, Nebraska’s Chris Weber, Northwestern’s Justin Jackson, Michigan’s Mike Wroblewski, Michigan State’s Brian Allen, Maryland’s Adam Greene, Illinois’ Malik Turner and Minnesota’s Andrew Stelter.

The Penn State linebacker graduated with a degree in kinesiology last December and is currently working on a second degree in health policy and administration. He boasts a 3.81 GPA and is a seven-time Dean’s List honoree.

This story was originally published September 27, 2017 at 7:51 PM with the headline "Penn State LB Brandon Smith named semifinalist for ‘Academic Heisman’."