New York, NY--December 12, 2000--Before a sold out crowd at the Waldorf-Astoria, Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, announced Kyle Vanden Bosch from the University of Nebraska as the 2000 Vincent dePaul Draddy Award winner at the 43rd Annual Awards Dinner. Often referred to as the "Academic Heisman," the Draddy Award is given to the nation's top scholar-athlete and awards a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship. Vanden Bosch is one of 16 national scholar-athletes that were recognized, each receiving a minimum $18,000 grant. 

A 6-4, 270 pound defensive end, Vanden Bosch was a first team Academic All-America selection and an Academic All-District selection in 1999. He earned first team Academic All-Big 12 honors twice and was a three-time recipient of the Highest Honors Academic Medallion, awarded annually to Nebraska student-athletes with a 3.75 grade point average or higher. 

A team captain, Vanden Bosch was a 2000 preseason honorable mention All-America selection and first team All-Big 12 selection. In 1999 he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 as voted on by the coaches. He ranked third on this year's Cornhusker team with 56 tackles and led the team with 17 tackles for a loss of 55 yards. 

Away from the playing field, he speaks to middle school students in Lincoln about overcoming adversity and being determined. He participates in many leadership programs, as well as taking time out to visit St. Elizabeth's Hospital Burn Unit to provide cheer and encouragement to patients and families. 

Past recipients of the Draddy Award include: Chad Pennington, Marshall University (1999), Matt Stinchcomb, University of Georgia (1998), Peyton Manning, University of Tennessee (1997), Danny Wuerffel, University of Florida (1996), Bobby Hoying, Ohio State University (1995), Rob Zatechka, University of Nebraska (1994), Thomas Burns, University of Virginia (1993), Jim Hansen, University of Colorado (1992), Brad Culpepper, University of Florida (1991), Chris Howard, U.S. Air Force Academy (1990). 

College football playing student-athletes must be in their 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 outstanding leadership and citizenship to be eligible for The National Football Foundation's Scholar-Athlete Awards.