Texas Tech University Athletics
Huffman Named Draddy Semifinalist
October 17, 2006 | Football
Oct. 17, 2006
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech senior cornerback Antonio Huffman has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2006 Draddy Trophy, announced Tuesday by the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame. The trophy is presented annually to one collegiate football student-athlete for his academic success and contributions to the community and on the field of play.
"I am truly honored and blessed to be considered for this award," Huffman said. "This recognition is shared by all Texas Tech student-athletes who have committed their time and efforts in reaching out to the community and making a difference."
Having established himself as a role model to current Texas Tech student-athletes and children across the South Plains, Huffman is involved in several community service efforts and leadership responsibilities for the university. He currently serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as the organization's vice-president and represented Texas Tech at the NCAA Leadership Conference last summer in Orlando, Fla. Huffman was one of 352 student-athletes selected to participate in the conference, which gave NCAA student-athletes an opportunity to openly discuss issues that affect them on their respective campuses and in their communities.
Huffman has participated in and coordinated hospital visits, reading programs and speaking engagements. He was the keynote speaker at the Ramirez Charter School's sixth grade banquet, speaking on the topics of goals, school and life. He mentors to children with the Communities in Schools program and is a kids volunteer for the Dental Health Fair. However, one of his proudest accomplishments during his career at Texas Tech was spearheading the formation SAAC Play Day. In its initial outing last spring, local children came out for a day of fun and games with over 50 Red Raider student-athletes. The success of the event has prompted SAAC to plan another for 2007.
"The SAAC Play Day turned out to be a great success," Huffman said. "We as student-athletes came together for a common goal and did our best to put smiles on kids' faces. Not only did it give us an opportunity to come together as one, but also gave us a chance to give back to the community and show our appreciation for their support. One of the most rewarding things in life is to see a kid smile; and we accomplished that."
A starter since his freshman year for the Red Raiders, Huffman has 29 tackles, two tackles for loss and two pass breakups. Additionally, he has played in 43 career games and has started in 28, including the last eight. His value to the program has been apparent since his first day on campus in 2003, and Head Coach Mike Leach has noticed the transition from freshman to senior.
"Antonio has been an important part of our program, both on and off the field, his entire career," Leach said of Huffman, who has a degree in human development and family studies and is currently working on a master's in sociology. "This goes to show the role model, person and student-athlete he has become."
Semifinalists for the Draddy Trophy must be seniors or graduate students in their final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first-team player and have demonstrated leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent DePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback, the trophy is accompanied by a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.
The NFF Awards Committee, comprised of former coaches, hall of famers and college administrators, will select and announce up to 15 finalists Oct. 26. The winner, also selected by the committee, will be announced at the 49th NFF Awards Dinner on Dec. 5 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Each finalist will also be recognized that night as part of the 2006 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.
Former Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury was one of six finalists in 2002.
