Robbins Named Semifinalist

DALLAS, Texas - Hardin-Simmons senior wide receiver ZaVious Robbins has been selected as one of the national semifinalists for the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) William R. Campbell Trophy and as one of the candidates for the 2009 NFF National Scholar- Athlete Awards.

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, semifinalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Renamed this fall in honor of Bill Campbell, the chairman of Intuit, former player and head coach at Columbia University and the 2004 recipient of the NFF's Gold Medal, the award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post- graduate scholarship.

The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2009 NFF National Scholar- Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Campbell Trophy winner, who will have his scholarship increased to $25,000, will be announced live at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner on December 8 at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. A total distribution of $277,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.

Robbins, who is currently injured, is one of the Cowboys top players. He is the school's all-time leading kick returner and he had 11 catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns in the first game of the year before injuring his knee early in the second game.

He currently carries a 3.95 GPA as a marketing major at Hardin-Simmons. He plans to graduate in December.  

There are 154 semifinalists for the award and here are some facts.

• 3.63 Average GPA
• 9 Semifinalists with a perfect 4.0 GPA
• 43 Semifinalists with a 3.9 GPA or better
• 65 All-Conference Picks
• 98 Team Captains
• 27 Academic All-America Selections
• 12 All-America Selections
• 14 of the top 25 teams in this week's FBS AP Poll represented
• 54 Nominees from the Football Bowl Subdivision
• 37 Nominees from the Football Championship Subdivision
• 15 Nominees from Division II
• 34 Nominees from Division III
• 14 Nominees from the NAIA
• 85 Offensive Players
• 61 Defensive Players
• 8 Special Teams Players