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Two from B1G named semifinalists for Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award
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Two B1G players have been named semifinalists for the inaugural Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. The list was narrowed down to 20 names on Tuesday morning.
Purdue quarterback David Blough and Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith were tabbed as semifinalists for the award, presented to the college player demonstrating exceptional leadership, courage and integrity.
Bruce Feldman tweeted out the list of names on Tuesday morning:
The 20 semi finalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award is a who’s who of amazing ppl, starting w #USC LS Jake Olson. pic.twitter.com/t8Oeuwtimm
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 7, 2017
Blough has thrown for 1,103 yards and nine touchdowns this season for the Boilermakers, but was injured last weekend against Illinois. He will miss the remainder of the 2017 campaign after suffering a dislocated ankle that will require surgery and a six-month recovery.
Smith has tallied 27 tackles this fall for the Nittany Lions, including two stops for loss. He recorded a season-high seven tackles against Indiana in October.
The list will be trimmed down to three finalists on Dec. 11 and a winner will be announced on February 22, 2018 at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB