A record-breaking quarterback and a standout in the classroom, Baylor’s Nick Florence is the epitome of the term “student-athlete.” He joins Joe Pawelek and Don Trull as the Bears’ third NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
Florence graduated last December with a degree in economics, boasting an impressive 3.79 GPA and serving as a regular on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll. He was named a Collegiate Scholar-Athlete by the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas and was chosen among all winners to give a response on behalf of the honorees. Florence is a three-time Dean’s List honoree and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma honor society.
A native of Garland, Texas, Florence did not take long breaking school records, setting the school single-game passing record with 427 yards as a true freshman in 2009. He eclipsed that mark earlier this season, racking up 581 yards in a shoot-out against conference foe West Virginia. A true team leader, Florence gave up his redshirt year in the 11th game of the 2011 season to sub for injured Robert Griffin III, leading Baylor to its first win over Texas Tech in Big 12 era. This year he leads the conference in passing, averaging more than 400 yards per game.
A regular speaker at churches, school, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes events, Florence has traveled to Edinburg, Texas, on mission trips during his last three spring breaks. He has also participated in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, taught at local football camps, and mentored junior high kids during the summer. Florence is currently the director of athletic development at his alma mater.
