Norfolk State defensive back Andre Twine has been chosen as a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation’s Draddy Award, presented annually to a college football student-athlete who best exemplifies academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.

Twine is one of 153 semifinalists for the award, including 40 from Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision). 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, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback who developed the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

Twine, a senior cornerback, carries a 3.518 GPA in history. He is a two-time member of the MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. Twine is actively involved in NSU’s Athletes in Action ministry and is a member of the NSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Now in his fourth year on the Spartans’ football team, Twine has appeared in 35 career games to date. He has 73 tackles, three interceptions, 13 pass deflections, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in his career.

Up to 15 finalists will be announced later this week. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2007 National Scholar-Athlete Class and receive an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, will be announced at the NFF’s Annual Awards Dinner on December 4 at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.