December
10, 2008
NationalChamps.net
releases 2nd annual Underdog Award
GIVEN
TO THE NATION'S BEST MID-MAJOR PLAYER
Chase
Clement Wins NationalChamps.net’s 2008 UNDERDOG
AWARD
BALTIMORE,
MD -- In an effort to bring media attention to those
players from smaller schools that are too often
overlooked for the HEISMAN and other major awards,
NationalChamps.net presents its annual UNDERDOG
AWARD to recognize the best FBS Mid-Major
player in the nation. In evaluating the rich talent
found throughout the 54 schools not aligned in automatic-bid
BCS conferences, our commitment to finding overall
excellence in college football at all levels remains
at the forefront of our efforts. Started in 2007,
the UNDERDOG AWARD is the only
post-season award dedicated exclusively to these
exceptional Mid-Major student-athletes.
NationalChamps.net
initially chose 28 players for the 2008
UNDERDOG AWARD Preseason Watch List, which
was primarily based upon those players’ 2007
performances. Our 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD In-Season
Watch List, released over a month ago,
presented 25 players worthy of recognition due to
their excellence this season. The 14 Semi-Finalists
were revealed two weeks ago. We readily recognized
all of our candidates and their achievements, which
exemplify the UNDERDOG AWARD’s
integrity and aim.
Our
2008 UNDERDOG AWARD Finalists were
determined last week. An exclusive group like this
represents how high the bar of Mid-Major talent
has been set and shows the immense need for an award
like this.
The
2008 UNDERDOG AWARD Finalists (announced
December 2, 2008):
QB
Nate Davis – Jr. - Ball State
QB
Chase Clement – Sr. - Rice
RB
MiQuale Lewis – Jr. - Ball
State
WR
Austin Collie – Jr. - BYU
But,
there can be only one winner. After evaluating numbers
and all of the other intangibles, our panel of voters
is pleased to name CHASE CLEMENT
of Rice as the winner of the 2008 NationalChamps.net
UNDERDOG AWARD. |