IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior running back LeShun Daniels, Jr., has been named to the 2016 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the All Sports Association announced Wednesday. The Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the FBS player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Daniels, Jr., (6-foot-0, 225 pounds) saw action in 12 games with five starts last season. The running back scored eight touchdowns from week 8-11, including a three-touchdown performance in Iowa’s 40-35 win over Minnesota on Nov. 14. His performance against the Gophers earned him honorable mention National Performer of the Week accolades by College Football Performance Awards. Daniels, Jr., accumulated 646 rushing yards — the second highest total on the team — in 145 attempts, and was listed as the first team running back following spring practice.
The Warren, Ohio, native has been involved with numerous community service activities since arriving on campus in 2013. Daniels, Jr., has visited with patients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics several times, and volunteered with Camp Courageous, the Ladies Football Academy, Dance Marathon, and Play2BFit.
The Wuerffel Trophy Watch List includes 88 student-athletes, including nine from Big Ten institutions. Former Hawkeye James Morris was a finalist for the award in 2013.
Voting for the Wuerffel Trophy is performed by a national selection committee that includes college football television and print media, industry notables, former head coaches, and prior Wuerffel Trophy recipients. Semifinalists will be revealed on Nov. 3, and finalists will be announced on Nov. 23. The 2016 recipient will be announced Dec. 6 at the National Football Foundation’s press conference in New York City.
Iowa opens the 2016 season at home on Sept. 3, hosting Miami (Ohio) inside Kinnick Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase by contacting the UI Athletic Ticket Office at (800) IA-HAWKS and online at hawkeyesports.com.