Janie Boschma

A three-year letter winner, a biochemistry/molecular biology major and a member of both the Beta Beta Beta biological honor society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

These are just a few reasons the National Football Foundation nominated senior wide receiver Tony Hull for the 2007 Draddy Trophy.

The Draddy Trophy is awarded to a college football player based on his or her academic success, performance on the field and leadership in the community. The winner will receive a 25-pound trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

Hull is one of 153 semifinalists around the country. The National Football Foundation will narrow that list down to 15 players today.

“It definitely caught me off guard,” Hull said. “If you are going to do something you should do it well. I am blessed to be a collegiate athlete and the culmination of that is in that nomination.”

Eau Claire football coach Todd Glaser praised Hull for his accomplishments.

“It’s a great honor to be a finalist, he’s a hard worker,” Glaser said.

It’s a balancing act for Hull, who is graduating in December. During football season it is hard to take a lab class and in the spring he is forced to double up, he said.

“It gets a little overwhelming,” Hull said. “The spring usually flies by.”

If Hull isn’t in class or at football practice, he tries to attend meetings for the honor society and the FCA, he said.

“I’m not a chair by any means,” he said. “But I’m an active member and I try to attend meetings as often as I can.”

Hull is just as successful on the field as off it. He is team captain, leads the team in receiving with 20 receptions this year and is second on the team this season in kick returns.

“He’s a great leader,” Glaser said. “He has a lot of fun. He’s smart not only in the classroom but on the football field as well.”

When Hull graduates in December, he said he plans on taking a year off before applying to medical school. He said he is considering orthopedics, but hasn’t made a decision yet.

“There are so many different opportunities,” he said. “Hopefully med school will expose me to new things and help me find my niche.”