West Virginia University junior wide receiver Jordan Thompson was named today to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list.

 

A total of 43 student-athletes were named to the watch list for the award that recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football, who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity; specifically tenacity to persist and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals. 

 

In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: born in Texas and/or graduated from a Texas High School and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four year college. 

 

Thompson, a native of Katy, Texas, recorded 23 receptions for 263 yards in his first two seasons as a Mountaineer. 

 

The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award is presented by SPORTyler, Inc., in conjunction with the City of Tyler, the Tyler Convention & Visitors Bureau and Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. Located in downtown Tyler, Texas, the non-profit helps to encourage student-athletes to succeed on and off the field.

 

“All my life, all I wanted to do was be an athlete. I kept God in my life and surrounded myself with good people. I am humbled by this award named in my honor,” said Campbell.

The Watch List announced today will be narrowed to up to 16 semifinalists in November and then up to four finalists in December. They will be selected by broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans and the previous winner. The finalists will be brought to Tyler for The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Awards Banquet scheduled for January 14, 2015.

 

Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of WVU Sports Communications; photo by Dale Sparks.