Nov. 1, 2004
NEW YORK -- Senior defensive tackle Michael Quarshie has been named to The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) Scholar-Athlete Class, the NFF announced today.
Quarshie, the Lions' co-captain who is ranked second in Division I-AA in tackles for a loss this season, is one of 15 players in the nation to earn the distinction, and one of three Division I-AA players. He is the third-ever Columbia player to be so honored. Archie Roberts '65 and John Sefcik '72 also earned a spot in his respective Scholar-Athlete Class.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to to recognize college football's best and brightest with these prestigious post-graduate scholarships," said NFF Chairman Jon F. Hanson. "These gentlemen have set the standard at their institution for all future student-athletes to follow, and we salute them for their dedication in becoming standouts on the gridiron, in the classroom and in their communities."
To be eligible for an NFF post-graduate scholarship, the nominee must be a senior in his final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.0, have shown superior academic application and performance, have outstanding ability as a first-team player, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.
A political science major, Quarshie will be honored along with the other recipients at the NFF's 47th Annual Awards Dinner on December 7 at the Waldorf-Astoria. Former Columbia football captain and head coach Bill Campbell '62 will be the top honoree as the NFF's 2004 Gold Medal winner at the same banquet.
Each scholar-athlete receives an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship, and, that evening, one will receive the Draddy Trophy as the top scholar-athlete in the nation, increasing the scholarship to $25,000.
