Morristown, NJ - The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced today, the 2002 National Scholar-Athlete Class, which includes student-athletes from all NCAA divisions, I-A, I-AA, II, III, and the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). 

According to National Football Foundation Chairman Jon F. Hanson, "Since 1959, these highly sought after awards have recognized only a chosen few who have excelled above all in the areas of scholarship, citizenship and athletic performance. We are pleased to have this opportunity to honor these outstanding young men for all of their achievements with an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship." 

2002 NATIONAL SCHOLAR-ATHLETES 

Division I-A 

AWARDEE	SCHOOL	POSITION	MAJOR	HOMETOWN
Kyle Eaton	Oklahoma State	OT	Management Info. Systems	Temple, TX
Hunter Hillenmeyer	Vanderbilt	LB	Human & Org. Development	Nashville, TN
Bradie James	Louisiana State	LB	Criminology	Baton Rouge, LA
Chris Kelsay	Nebraska	RE	Finance	Auburn, NE
Kliff Kingsbury	Texas Tech	QB	Business Management	New Braunfels, TX
Jonathan Stinchcomb	Georgia	OT	Microbiology	Lilburn, GA

Division I-AA 

AWARDEE	SCHOOL	POSITION	MAJOR	HOMETOWN
Cameron Atkinson	Princeton	RB	Chemistry	Mantua, NJ
Ryan Johnson	Montana State	RB	Pre-Physical Therapy	Bozeman, MT
Mark Kasmer	Dayton	S	Computer Engineering	Brecksville, OH

Division II 

AWARDEE	SCHOOL	POSITION	MAJOR	HOMETOWN
Kelby Klosterman	North Dakota	QB	Physical Education	Blackhawk, SD

Division III 

AWARDEE	SCHOOL	POSITION	MAJOR	HOMETOWN
Todd Baldwin	Augustana (IL)	CB	Finance & Economics	Aledo, IL
Andrew Hilliard	St. Thomas (MN)	WR	Mathematics & Secondary Education	Woodbury, MN
Brandon Roberts	Washington Univ. in St. Louis	LB	Biomedical Engineering	Akron, OH

NAIA 

AWARDEE	SCHOOL	POSITION	MAJOR	HOMETOWN
Luke Klinker	Nebraska Wesleyan	WR	English & History	Omaha, NE

To be eligible for a National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame postgraduate fellowship, the nominee must be a senior or graduate student in his final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have shown superior academic application and performance, have outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. 

"With 152 exceptional candidates vying for this these awards, the Awards Committee was faced with a difficult challenge in selecting this year's class. These 14 scholar-athletes represent the best and brightest each level of college football has to offer," stated Robert E. Mulcahy III, chairman of the Awards Committee and director of athletics at Rutgers University. 

These scholar-athletes will be recognized at The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame's 45th Annual Awards Dinner on December 10, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Also being honored at the dinner will be the 2002 College Football Hall of Fame class, which will share the dais with these scholar-athletes. 

Each scholar-athlete receives an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship, and that evening one will receive the HealthSouth Draddy Trophy as the top scholar-athlete in the nation, increasing the scholarship to $25,000. 

AWARDEE BIOGRAPHIES 

Cameron Atkinson

Running Back

Princeton University 

Maintaining a legendary tradition of academic excellence and athletic prowess in the Ivy League, Cameron Atkinson continues to shine scholarly while establishing himself as one of the league's most dangerous running backs. 

A chemistry major, Atkinson earned Verizon Academic All-America Second Team honors in 2001 and was also named to Verizon's Academic All-District team. An Academic All-Ivy League pick in 2001, he plans to attend medical school following graduation. 

At 5-7, 170 lbs., Atkinson dominates the opposition with his speed and agility running the ball. In 2001, he rushed for 660 yards and nine touchdowns en route to an All-Ivy League Honorable Mention. In 1999, Atkinson set freshman team records in rushing yards and touchdowns in a season and game while winning the Lourie Award as the team Offensive Rookie of the Year. Through five games of the 2002 season, he ranks second in the Ivy League with 544 yards on the ground. Currently, Atkinson ranks sixth at Princeton all-time with 1,965 career yards. 

Accomplished in both the classroom and on the gridiron, Atkinson is equally as involved in the community and on campus. A three-year letter winner in track, he holds the school record for the 60-yard dash (6.87). He is a peer mentor for the Princeton Achievement Alliance, has served as both secretary and treasurer for the Varsity Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and assists in organizing trips for disadvantaged youths. 

Todd Baldwin

Cornerback

Augustana College (IL) 

If you're searching for the secret to success, you may want to ask Augustana cornerback Todd Baldwin. A member of two conference championship teams and the owner of a 3.97 GPA, Baldwin resembles the epitome of success for a collegiate career. 

A perennial Dean's List member, Baldwin earned Verizon Academic All-America First Team and Academic All-Conference honors in 2001. Ranking near the top of his class academically, he continues to strive towards graduating with honors in November 2002, earning a degree in Finance & Economics. 

A two-year team captain and three-year starter, Baldwin has helped anchor a defensive unit that has helped Augustana to two conference championships and second round advancements in the NCAA Division III playoffs. Possessing the speed of a running back and the soft hands of a wide receiver, he led the conference with five interceptions in 2000 and currently ranks among the school's career leaders 
with eight. 

A standout athlete, Baldwin also excels in track and field - placing second in the conference in the javelin in 2002. He is a member of the Campus Ministries Committee, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Augustana Dance Company and volunteers as a football camp counselor. 

Kyle Eaton

Offensive Tackle

Oklahoma State University 

Possessing a perfect balance of academic excellence, athletic prowess and community involvement, Kyle Eaton has led Oklahoma State as a three-year starter at offensive tackle and as the team's top scholar in the classroom. 

Maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA in Management Information Systems, Eaton graduated in August of 2002 with Summa Cum Laude honors. A three-time Academic All-BIG 12 Conference selection, Eaton was named to the 2001 Academic All-America Second Team. He is a 10-time President's Honor Roll member, an eight-time Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll member and a four-time OSU Academic Achievement Award recipient. A Wentz Scholar, Eaton earned the General Honors Award in 2002 and was named Delta Sigma Pi's Top Business College Student. 

At 6-8, 300 lbs., Eaton is equally dominating on the gridiron. Opening holes for one of the conference's top rushing attacks, he was named First Team All-Conference in 2001 after being named Honorable Mention the previous two seasons. 

Thoroughly involved in OSU campus and community affairs, Eaton is a member of the Honors Program, Athletics Committee of Faculty Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies. He volunteers in food drives, visits hospitals, and at the Stillwater Animal Shelter. An American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team Captain, Eaton also speaks at various elementary schools, churches and team events. 

Hunter Hillenmeyer

Linebacker

Vanderbilt University 

One of the nation's most dominating linebackers, Hunter Hillenmeyer has excelled both in the classroom and on the field despite having to learn a new position in the off-season. 

A three-time Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll and perennial Dean's List member, Hillenmeyer has been the model of excellence and consistency. Possessing a double major of Economics and Human & Organizational Development, he is scheduled to graduate next May near the top of his class. 

Despite making the difficult change from outside to middle linebacker in the off-season, Hillenmeyer continues to rule the SEC defensively. Following campaigns of which he posted tackle totals of 68 and 72 respectively, through six games in 2002 he ranks third in the conference with 81 tackles - including a career high 19-tackle performance vs. South Carolina. Currently, he ranks among the team's career leaders with 230 tackles and 15 tackles-for-a-loss. 

A regular volunteer for the Special Olympics and Boys and Girls Club of America, Hillenmeyer also speaks at various team events including the Peabody Parent's Weekend Luncheon. 

Andrew Hilliard

Wide Receiver

University of St. Thomas (MN) 

The cornerstone of the University of St. Thomas' offensive attack, Andrew Hilliard remains one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference while upholding his near-perfect academic record. 

A three-time Academic All-Conference Honor Roll member, Hilliard was named to the Verizon Academic All-America First Team in 2001. A regular member of the Dean's List, he plans on graduating in May of 2003 with a double major of Mathematics and Secondary Education. 

Utilizing his blazing speed, Hilliard caught 52 passes for 977 yards and 13 touchdowns in a 2001 campaign, earning All-Conference First Team honors. Through seven games in 2002, he has caught 39 passes for 559 yards, which ranks him third in the conference in receptions and fourth in reception yards. The 2002 team Co-Captain, Hilliard needs only 296 receiving yards to become St. Thomas' all-time career leader. 

A devoted leader and contributor to his community, Hilliard was recognized by the American Football Coaches Association when they named him to their 2001 Good Works Team. He is a member of many organizations, speaks at various team events and is a volunteer for numerous worthy organizations, including the Special Olympics, National Youth Sports Program, Vacation Bible School, Habitat for Humanity and Neighborhood Cleanup Day. Hilliard is also a four-time NCAA Division III All-America in indoor and outdoor track. 

Bradie James

Linebacker

Louisiana State University 

A Butkus Award candidate as one of the top linebackers in the nation, Bradie James is a team leader on the field, in the classroom and representing the team in the community. 

A member of the Dean's List, James earned Academic All-Southeastern Conference Honor Roll recognition in 2001. A criminology major, he plans to graduate in the spring of 2003 as the team's top scholar-athlete. 

Rated the nation's second-best inside linebacker by The Sporting News prior to the 2002 season, James has posted two straight 100+ tackle seasons. Named the 2000 Peach Bowl Defensive MVP, he earned All-Conference First Team honors in 2001 and Second Team honors in 2000. Through seven games in the 2002 season, James has recorded 83 tackles, ranking him second in the SEC this season and second all-time on the LSU career tackles list (347). The 2002 team Captain, he has also recorded 28 tackles-for-a-loss and 13 sacks in his illustrious career. 

Regarded as the team spokesman because of his numerous speaking engagements at local area elementary and high schools, James is a peer intervention leader for the LSU football team and regularly visits sick children at local hospitals. 

Ryan Johnson

Running Back

Montana State University 

Seldom does a player rise to the top of both the academic and athletic world like Ryan Johnson has. His 3.99 GPA, awards and recognitions prove his academic prowess, and his gridiron ability in the Montana State backfield ranks him among the school's best of all-time. 

A Pre-Physical Therapy major, Johnson was named the 2001 Verizon Academic All-America of the Year for Division I football (the highest honor the Verizon Academic All-America teams bestow). Twice named to the Verizon Academic All-America First Team, he received the Roland Renne Award, which goes to the outstanding scholar and leader of the 2002 graduating class for MSU. A member of the Dean's List and Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key National Honor Societies, Johnson will likely graduate in December of 2002 with Summa Cum Laude honors. 

A 2001 Walter Payton Trophy finalist for the most outstanding player in Division I-AA college football, Johnson set a school record with 1,537 rushing yards en route to Third Team All-America Honors and a Second Team All-Conference selection. Through six games in 2002, he has a conference second-best 653 yards rushing. A three-year starter, Johnson holds MSU all-time career records for attempts (632) and rushing yards (3,207), while ranking second all-time in career rushing touchdowns (25). 

On Campus, Johnson is the president of the MSU Chapter of Athletes In Action and Campus Crusade for Christ. A volunteer for ALTA Physical Therapy, he aids fundraising efforts for the Bozeman Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

Mark Kasmer

Safety

University of Dayton 

Quarterbacks should be wary when throwing in the direction of Mark Kasmer. The anchor of Dayton's defensive unit for the past three seasons, he has remained a model of consistency on the field, in the classroom and in the community. 

A Computer Engineering major, Kasmer was named to the Verizon Academic All-America and All-Conference First Teams in 2001. Scheduled to graduate with honors in only three and a half years, he continues to accrue numerous prestigious academic honors and recognitions including the John L. MacBeth Scholar-Athlete Award and the Charles R. Kendall Memorial Award of Excellence for achievement in academic and athletic efforts. 

The team leader in tackles each of the last two seasons, Kasmer's main influence has come as an interception threat. The 2001 Pioneer Football League Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First Team selection notched nine interceptions in 2001 returning three for touchdowns - one being an NCAA record 100-yard return. Through seven games in 2002, Kasmer has recorded a conference-best seven interceptions (third in nation) to tie him for second all-time on the Dayton career list. 

A member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Fraternity, Kasmer is extremely active in his community and on campus. An activities Co-Chairman at church, he also volunteers time as a tutor at local elementary schools. 

Chris Kelsay

Rush End

University of Nebraska 

Carrying on the rich tradition of Nebraska athletes that possess the unique blend of academic excellence and athletic prowess, Chris Kelsay leads by example in the classroom and is the 2002 Cornhusker Team Captain. 

A three-time Academic All-BIG 12 Conference First Team selection, Kelsay earned Verizon Academic All-District honors in 2001. An eight-time Conference Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll member and three-time High Honors Academic Medallion recipient, he graduated with a degree in Finance in September and has already begun work towards his MBA. 

Named an All-America Second Team selection by The Football News and All-Conference First Team pick, Kelsay led the team with 17 tackles-for-a-loss and was second with five sacks. Through six games in the 2002 season, he is tied for fifth in the conference with five sacks and ninth with nine tackles-for-a-loss. 

Always active in the community, Kelsay participates in the NU Shadowing Program, American Cancer Society fundraisers, American Education Week, the N4A Transition Program at Lincoln High, the Auburn Tour of Excellence and as a volunteer hospital visitor. For his efforts, he was named to the 2002 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team. 

Kliff Kingsbury

Quarterback

Texas Tech University 

Kliff Kingsbury represents the best of both worlds on the college scene. Not only is he one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and the most prolific passer in Texas Tech history, he is also one of the top scholar-athletes. 

A Business Management major, Kingsbury is a two-time Academic All-BIG 12 Conference First Team selection and was named to the 2001 Verizon Academic All-District Team. A four-time Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll member, he completed his undergraduate requirements in only three years. 

A 2002 Heisman Trophy Candidate, few have etched their name in their alma mater's record books as often as Kingsbury. The owner of 33 Red Raiders passing and total offense records and nine conference records, he earned All-Conference Second Team honors in 2001. Through eight games in the 2002 season, Kingsbury leads the nation in completions (286), passing yards (2,916) and touchdown passes (28) and has been named Conference Player of the Week three times. To date, Kingsbury has made 1,038 completions for 10,328 yards and 78 touchdowns in his career. 

A member of the Texas Tech Speakers Bureau, Kingsbury makes numerous speaking engagements at local area schools and organizations. 

Luke Klinker

Wide Receiver

Nebraska Wesleyan University 

One of the top wide receivers in the nation on the NAIA level and a major factor in the Nebraska Wesleyan offensive attack, Luke Klinker epitomizes the term "scholar-athlete." 

Academically, few have what it takes to match what Klinker has already accomplished. A regularly appearing on the Dean's List, he was named to the 2001 NAIA Academic All-America First Team. Maintaining a near-perfect 3.98 GPA, Klinker is a four-time Verizon Academic All-District pick and is a member of three National Honor Societies. 

A tall receiving target at 6-3, 195 lbs., Klinker finished second in the Great Plains Athletic Conference with 68 receptions, 832 receiving yards and five touchdowns en route to All-Conference First Team honors in 2001. Through six games in 2002, he leads the team having caught 23 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. To date, he has compiled 145 receptions for 1,952 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career, needing only 10 receptions and 176 yards to become NWU's all-time leader in both categories. 

When Klinker is not on the gridiron, he is often on the diamond. A two-time All-Conference performer in baseball, he led the team in batting average, stolen bases and hits in 2001. 

Away from the athletic fields, Klinker is equally as active in the community. A student instructor for Liberal Arts Seminars, he is also the Sports Editor of the Cornerstone Campus Newspaper and an active participant at Red Ribbon Day to promote drug-free activities with elementary school children. 

Kelby Klosterman

Quarterback

University of North Dakota 

If a team is going to be successful it needs a leader to emulate both on the field and off. Kelby Klosterman provides that necessary leadership for the University of North Dakota, resulting in an NCAA Division II National Championship in 2001. 

An Academic All-Conference First Team selection in 2001, Klosterman has shown his academic leadership via numerous accolades and honors throughout his storied collegiate career. Having maintained a 3.74 GPA, he expects to graduate in the spring of 2003 with honors. 

While leading UND to a National Championship last season, Klosterman threw a team record 34 touchdowns, completing 237 passes for 2,961 yards en route to earning an All-Conference First Team pick and All-America Honorable Mention recognition (Don Hansen's Football Gazette). Making his mark as one of UND's greatest quarterbacks of all-time, Klosterman has completed 409 passes for 5,404 yards and 58 touchdowns in his career. 

Always willing to lend a helping hand in his community, Klosterman has twice been awarded UND's Sioux Service Award for community service and was recognized by the American Football Coaches Association as a member of their Good Works Team for 2001. 

Brandon Roberts

Linebacker

Washington University in St. Louis 

One of the most well-balanced scholar-athletes in NCAA Division III history, Brandon Roberts has earned high honors in working towards a degree in Biomedical Engineering while establishing himself as one of the nation's elite linebackers. 

A regular Dean's List selection, Roberts earned Verizon Academic All-America Second Team honors and was an Academic All-Conference First Team pick in 2001. A Golden Key International Honor Society member, he has twice earned Verizon Academic All-District honors and has received the Ralph Bunche, Washington University Stanley C. Pace Engineering and Akron Urban League Scholarship Awards. 

A two-time All-Conference First Team selection, Roberts has played an integral part of a defense that has ranked in the Top 20 nationally each of the last three seasons. Through six games in the 2002 season, he leads the conference with 68 tackles ranking him 19th in the nation - the third straight year he has appeared in the Top 25 national rankings in tackles. With 338 career tackles and 12.5 sacks, he ranks among the greatest defensive players ever to play for Washington University. 

An active participant in numerous community related organizations and events, Roberts is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Pre-Medicine Society, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Black Men Active in the Community, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and The Association of Black Students. A member of the Visions Gospel Choir, Roberts also volunteers time at Vacation Bible School, Faith House and the Wound Center at Akron General Hospital. 

Jonathan Stinchcomb

Offensive Tackle

University of Georgia 

Following in his older brother Matt's footsteps, Jonathan Stinchcomb is the latest member of the University of Georgia family to be recognized for his academic and athletic supremacy. 

Only the third Verizon Academic All-America First Team selection in school history, Stinchcomb represents the elite of Division I-A student-athletes. A four-time Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll member, he is a member of five national honor societies including the prestigious Golden Key. A Presidential Scholar, Stinchcomb has received the Ramsey Scholarship for Academic and Athletic Excellence three times. 

A member of the "Watch Lists" for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award, Stinchcomb recorded a team-high 18 "dominator" blocks en route to a Second Team All-America selection and First Team All-Conference pick in 2001. At one point, he started 29 consecutive games, appearing in three bowl games and winning two. The recipient of the Coaches Leadership Award, Stinchcomb has helped Georgia to a 6-0 start and a Top Five national ranking in 2002. 

A member of the 2001 AFCA Good Works Team for community service contributions, Stinchcomb is extremely active on campus and in the UGA community. Recognized as a "Peach of an Athlete" by the Boy Scouts of America, he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, American Heart Association, Special Olympics, St. Mary's Hospital visitation program, National Read Aloud Week and much more. 

With 119 chapters and over 14,000 members nationwide, The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in America's young people. NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., Play It Smart, The NFF Center for Youth Development Through Sport at Springfield College (Mass.), the NFL-NFF Coaching Academy, and scholarships of nearly $1 million for College and High School Scholar-Athletes.