DALLAS, Texas – Emory & Henry College senior linebacker Ross Ellis (Abingdon, Va.) has been named one of 147 semifinalists for the National Football Foundation's William V. Campbell Trophy. Ellis is one of 41 NCAA Division III athletes in the list that includes players from all levels of college football. The purpose of the Campbell Trophy is to recognize the best football scholar-athlete in the nation.

Ellis finished his senior season with 91 tackles, including a team-high 40 solo stops, and 10 tackles for a loss of 55 yards, also a team-high. He also had one interception, a fumble recovery, six passes defended and seven quarterback hurries. Ellis also recovered three fumbles including one against Randolph-Macon that he returned for a touchdown.

With each school limited to one nominee each, candidates for the awards 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. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

"This year's candidates truly embody the National Football Foundation's mission of building leaders through football," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "They are standouts in the classroom and on the field and have become leaders in their respective communities. Each school should take great pride in being represented by such well-rounded young men who will undoubtedly go on to do great things in life."

The William V. Campbell Trophy is part of the National College Football Awards Association which also includes The Heisman Trophy, The Doak Walker Award, The Jim Thorpe Award and The Lou Groza Award.

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