Shockley up for Draddy Award

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia quarterback

D.J. Shockley has been chosen as one of the national semifinalists for the 2005 Draddy Trophy, which is presented annually by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Known in many circles as the "Academic Heisman," the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. Semifinalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.

Shockley, a senior from College Park, has led Georgia to a 5-0 start by throwing for 1,166 yards, rushing for 202 yards and accounting for 11 total touchdowns. He was a member of the 2004 SEC Academic Honor Roll and is one of the 11 Division I-A football players on the American Football Coaches Association National Good Works Team.

The NFF Awards Committee, comprised of former coaches, Hall of Famers and college administrators, will select and announce 15 finalists on Oct. 27. The winner, also selected by the committee, will be announced at the 48th NFF Awards Dinner on Dec. 6 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Each finalist also will be recognized that night as part of the 2005 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.