Isaac Gifford Shines as a Dual Threat on and off the Field
This week has been a monumental moment for Isaac Gifford, the senior defensive back for the University of Nebraska, as he garners significant national recognition for his exceptional contributions both on and off the football field. Gifford has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the "academic Heisman." In addition to this honor, he has also secured a spot on the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, underscoring his exemplary leadership qualities.
As a pivotal member of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Gifford has established himself as a three-year starter and has amassed 26 career starts. Last season, he earned All-Big Ten honors, leading his team with an impressive 86 tackles, alongside personal bests of 6.5 tackles for loss and nine pass breakups. His performance this season has continued to impress; Gifford has started all four games for the current 3-1 team, ranking second on the squad with 22 tackles. His skills on the field are not just numbers; they reflect a deep commitment to the game and a drive to excel.
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But Gifford's achievements extend far beyond the football field. He boasts a commendable 3.54 GPA and graduated with a degree in management in December 2023. Currently, he is pursuing a graduate degree while remaining an active participant in Nebraska's Life Skills program. His academic prowess has earned him recognition as a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and he was recently named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.
Additionally, Gifford was honored with the Sam Foltz 27 Hero Leadership Award, which recognizes the outstanding student-athletes across all sports at Nebraska, further highlighting his contributions and character. His commitment to excellence in academics and athletics makes him a prime candidate for the Campbell Trophy. The National Football Foundation will announce 12 to 14 finalists for the award on October 23. The winner will be recognized at the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas on December 10.
Gifford is also in the running for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which emphasizes a player’s leadership on and off the field. This award will narrow down its candidates to 20 semifinalists by October 22, with the winner to be announced at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 12, 2025.
The accolades Gifford has received not only celebrate his achievements but also set a foundation for future success. He aims to join the ranks of previous Husker winners of the Campbell Trophy, like Rob Zatechka and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Gifford’s journey illustrates that success is not solely defined by athletic performance but is equally about academic excellence and impactful leadership. As he continues his season with the Huskers, it will be exciting to watch how Gifford navigates his path, embodying the spirit of a true scholar-athlete.
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