d3photography.com photo by Chris Mitchell; Carnegie Mellon athletics photo by Matt Freed

North Central quarterback Luke Lehnen and Carnegie Mellon linebacker Robert Coury are among 16 college football players nationwide this season, and the first in the history of the Cardinals' program, to be selected as a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the student-athlete with the best combination of academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. The National Football Foundation announced this year's finalists Wednesday.

The 16 finalists will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 10, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. At the event, one member of the class will be declared the winner of the 35th William V. Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.

The finalists were selected from a record-high number of 204 semifinalists nationwide from each of the NCAA's three divisions and the NAIA.

"I could not think of a person who is more deserving of this honor than Bobby. He has worked incredibly hard academically, athletically, and volunteered for countless hours to help impact Carnegie Mellon University in many ways. Our football program is better because of the example he sets, and the leadership he instills. This honor is in my opinion the greatest representation of being a student-athlete in college football, and I know I speak for our entire program when I say how proud we are of Bobby and all he has done to be recognized for the William V. Campbell Trophy."

"We are extremely honored to have Luke chosen as a finalist for this prestigious award, especially in a year with so many quality nominees," said North Central head coach Brad Spencer '04. "Luke is and has been the finest example of a Cardinal student-athlete on the field, off the field, and in the classroom. We are blessed to have him representing North Central College!"

The last time a Division III football player received this award was in 2003, when Brandon Roberts of Washington U. was awarded what was then known as the Draddy Trophy.

Off the field, Coury carries a 3.97 GPA and is currently pursuing his master's in mechanical engineering. He is a two-time Academic All-America by the College Sports Communicators America. Lehnen has a 3.76 GPA and is studying exercise science. Submitted by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the Campbell Trophy must be either a senior player who will complete his final year of eligibility during the 2024 season or be a graduated player or grad transfer who has already earned a bachelor's degree and will participate in the 2024 season; must have minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; must have outstanding football ability as a starter/significant contributor; and must have exhibited exemplary leadership on the field, in the classroom and within the community.