Lindsey Wilson College QB Cameron Dukes is program’s first NFF Scholar-Athlete
COLUMBIA, Ky. (BVM) — When the National Football Foundation released the finalists for the organization’s most prestigious award, the William V. Campbell Trophy, the names were impressive. Division I standouts such as Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford, Michigan defensive end Aiden Hutchenson and Wisconsin defensive end Matt Henningsen are among the 13 names whittled down from 176 semifinalists included on the final list. However, there is one that stands out more than any of the others for a plethora of reasons.
Lindsey Wilson College senior quarterback Cameron Dukes was named a finalist for the Campbell Trophy, the only finalist from an NAIA program to make the list. With his selection, Dukes also became the first player in Blue Raiders history to earn the nomination.
Dukes is more than deserving of the nomination for the Campbell Trophy, which is given annually to an individual for their combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Nominees must follow specific guidelines that include they have to be a senior or graduate student in their final year of playing eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Dukes stands out even when compared to his peers in this regard.
In addition to being the lone NAIA representative, Dukes is one of just two three-year team captains, he’s one of three players on a playoff team, one of five school record holders, one of five All-Americans, one of eight Academic All-Americans and, most notably, the only member of a national championship team.
Such an honor to be named a finalist for this award. Everything about this award is something that I value and want to represent in my life! Thank you! https://t.co/7riRhY53Ru
— Cameron Dukes (@CameronDukes12) October 27, 2021
Regardless of how he compares to the other nominations on the list, Dukes’ success does have to be recognized. Last season, Dukes led the team to an undefeated 11-0 record and the program’s first ever NAIA national championship while he earned second team All-American honors for himself after he finished ranked fourth nationally in passing yards (2,555) and total offense (2,946) while also throwing 33 touchdowns and only four interceptions to go along with 10 rushing scores.
This year, Dukes seems to be at it again as the unbeaten Blue Raiders are 7-0 thanks in large part to his play. The senior signal-caller has thrown for 1,073 yards, 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions while rushing for 153 yards and four touchdowns. Dukes will certainly leave his mark on history as he is currently the all-time leader in completion percentage (62.8%) and ranks third in Blue Raider history with 9,073 career passing yards and second all-time with 98 passing touchdowns. He also owns single-game school records for completion percentage (81% vs. Cumberland (Tenn.), 2019) and passing touchdowns (seven vs. Warner (Fla.), 2019).
Each of the finalists receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and will all travel to the 63rd NFF Annual Awards Dinner presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 7, where one of them will be named the winner and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. The event will take place at the ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas.
No matter if he is named the winner or not, Dukes has put his name and the Blue Raiders’ program in the national spotlight through his hard work on the field and off of it. Even if he’s not named the Campbell Trophy recipient, he should still feel like a winner thanks to all he’s accomplished throughout his years at Lindsey Wilson.
