AUBURN, Ala. – Derrick Brown's accomplishments on and off the field attracted the attention of another prestigious honor, the 2019 National College Football Award, presented annually to a college senior who excels athletically, academically and has a proven track record in community leadership.
The Auburn senior defensive lineman is one of six finalists for the 10th annual award, presented by Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation's oldest youth football, cheer and dance organization and the only one with established academic standards.
Established in 2010, the award recognizes a graduating senior who has made a real impact on the field, in the classroom and in his community.
The 2019 finalists are:
● University of Southern California wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
● Wake Forest running back Cade Carney
● Penn State punter Blake Gillikin
● University of Nebraska linebacker Mohamed Barry
● University of Kansas safety Bryce Torneden
● Auburn University defensive tackle Derrick Brown
The award will be presented to the winner during the 63rd annual Pop Warner Super Bowl at Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. C.J. Conrad, former University of Kentucky tight end, took home last year's award.
"One of the things that makes our sport so special is the character of those who play it," said Jon Butler, executive director of Pop Warner Little Scholars. "Once again, we are inspired to see all of the amazing work our award nominees do on the field, in the classroom and across their communities. Pop Warner's young people look up to these players and we love to see that so many of them share our values and strive to set positive examples for the next generation of football players."
Previous recipients have included Prince Amukamara (Nebraska), Chase Minnifield (Virginia), Sean Renfree (Duke), Gary Bush (Purdue), Jordan Richards (Stanford), Brandon Chubb (Wake Forest) and Evan Engram (Mississippi) and Braxton Berrios (Miami).
About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Langhorne, PA, Pop Warner Little Scholars is the nation's oldest youth football, cheerleading and dance organization and the only youth sports organization that emphasizes academics as a prerequisite for participation. Pop Warner participants enjoy the opportunity to learn and compete in their sports in an atmosphere that emphasizes fun, safety, academics and character. For more information on Pop Warner and its programs visit popwarner.com or follow Pop Warner on Twitter @Pop_Warner, Facebook @PopWarnerLittleScholars, Instagram @popwarnerlittlescholars and Snap @popwarner1929.
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer