In October, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced the semifinalists for the 2020 William V. Campbell Trophy and Sam Cummings, a senior Red Flash defensive lineman, was one of them.

“It is an honor to be nominated for such a prestigious award. Saint Francis University has given me so many tools to succeed on the football field, in the classroom, and for life after football,” said Cummings.

“It brings me a lot of pride and joy that the coaches nominated me for this award.”

SFU Defensive Coordinator Bishop Neal said that Cummings is deserving of the honor.

“If anyone deserves it, it would be Sam. He’s been a true competitor, both on and off the field,” said Neal. “It is very hard for someone to outwork Sam.

“It’s going to be great to see the person that Sam grows into.”

Head coach Chris Villarrial echoed Neal’s sentiments.

“Sam is an outstanding student-athlete, and very deserving of this award,” said Villarrial. “We are very proud of Sam and his accomplishments.”

A total of 199 student-athletes from FBS, FCS, Division II and Division III schools were among the Campbell Trophy semifinalists.

Candidates for the trophy must be seniors or graduate students in their final year of eligibility, carry a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate outstanding football abilities, strong leadership skills and positive citizenship qualities.

Cummings is working toward his Master of Business Administration degree at SFU after earning his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology in the spring.

A former walk-on before earning a scholarship, the Verona, New Jersey, native has played in 22 career games at SFU.

Away from the field, he has completed community service with the Special Olympics, Dorothy Day Center, Saint Michael’s Church and the Blairstown (New Jersey) YMCA.