Senior Jordan Dobrich, a linebacker on the football team and a mechanical engineering major at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, has been inducted to the 2015 National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Class, presented by Fidelity Investments. In addition to earning an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, Dobrich is also a finalist for the 2015 William V. Campbell Trophy.
Dobrich is one of 12 student-athletes among all NCAA divisions and the NAIA to be named to the NFF's National Scholar-Athlete Class and be selected as a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.
The three-year team captain, who boasts a 3.85 grade point average in mechanical engineering, is the first player in program history to earn this distinction. Dobrich is also the fifth player in Mountain West to earn this prestigious scholar-athlete honor.
"Being selected as a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy is an honor of which I am extraordinary grateful for," Dobrich said. "By receiving this prestigious award, I am able to further my academic endeavors to help distinguish myself as a well-equipped professional in my field of study. I would like to thank the National Football Foundation, the College Hall of Fame, my team, the academic staff here and my friends and family who gave me the tools necessary to achieve this honor."
Dobrich will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship for the award, and will also travel to New York City for the 58th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8. At the event, one member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class will be declared the winner of the 26th William V. Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
In the National Scholar-Athlete Class, Dobrich is joined by; Navy's E.K. Binns, Ohio State's Jacoby Boren, UCLA's Jake Brendel, Mississippi State's Taveze Calhoun, Montana's Derek Crittenden, Oklahoma's Ty Darlington, Baylor's Spencer Drango, Massachusetts' Blake Frohnapfel, Kent State's Jordan Italiano, Mount Union's Hank Spencer and Ferris State's Jason Vander Laan.
"I am delighted to learn of Jordan's outstanding achievement," University President Marc Johnson said. "Throughout his career as a student at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno, Jordan has demonstrated intelligence, leadership and drive in the classroom and on the playing field as a standout linebacker and three-year team captain for the Wolf Pack. He has very clearly demonstrated that academic, athletic and personal excellence can be achieved during one's playing career. His career, both as a student and as an athlete, has underscored the core values of our University."
A native of Magalia, Calif., Dobrich is in the top 10 percent of his mechanical engineering program. Dobrich hopes to do postgraduate studies in either a petroleum engineering or mechanical engineering petroleum program.
Dobrich - the first three-year team captain in recent program history - is a two-time Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District selection. He was selected to the Academic All-Mountain West team and was named a MW Scholar-Athlete last season.
Dobrich is also heavily involved in campus activities. He's a member of Tau Beta Pi, the country's oldest and most prestigious honors engineering fraternity, and has been a one-year member and academic chair of Theta Tau, a professional coed engineering fraternity. Dobrich is also a National Society of Leadership Member and Golden Key Scholar. Prior to his senior season, Dobrich had a summer internship with Southwest Gas Corporation in Carson City, which is one of the most sought after engineering internships in the area.
On the football field, Dobrich has played in 43 career games with the Wolf Pack, collecting 219 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. Dobrich has 51 tackles this season to go along with 3.5 TFL and three takeaways.
"Our Wolf Pack football family is so proud of and excited for Jordan Dobrich as he has been selected for the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award," said head coach Brian Polian. "Jordan embodies everything that we want this program to stand for - leadership and excellence in the classroom and on the field. This award is an incredible recognition of his hard work and dedication."
"On a personal note, Jordan has been a joy to coach and is the type of person that makes our profession so rewarding. We are delighted for Jordan and his family and look forward to celebrating this accomplishment with him in New York City in December 8th."
To be a candidate for the award, the respective student-athlete must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2, have outstanding football abilities and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The 2015 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class boasts a cumulative 3.76 GPA, while 11-of-12 honorees are team captains and academic all-conference selections.
The recipient of the Campbell Trophy will also be honored at the NFF Board of Directors meeting and at a reception hosted by the New York Athletic Club on Dec. 9. The following day, the winner will fly to Atlanta to be recognized during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN.
