FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – University of South Alabama center Brian Ankerson was among the record 114 nominees included on the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List released Thursday.

It's the second year in a row that the rising senior — who hails from Theodore, Ala. — is a candidate for the award presented each February to the college football player who serves others, celebrates their positive impact on society, and inspires greater service in the world.

Off the field, Ankerson has volunteered for numerous events including an awards ceremony at Dawes Intermediate School, an elementary school career day, at the Relay For Life and at Camp Rap-A-Hope in his time with the program.  He has also participated in the University's annual Move In Day prior to the start of the fall semester on multiple occasions and took part in an event to help clean up Mobile as well.

He has started every game since current head coach Steve Campbell took over the program, a streak that has reached 24 consecutive contests entering the fall.  A year ago he paced the Jaguar offensive line with 82 percent overall and 89 percent assignment marks while sharing the team lead with a 72 percent technique grade, and he also finished third on the squad with a career-best 54 knockdowns blocks.  That included receiving an overall grade of 80 percent or better on eight occasions — including each of the Jaguars' last five outings — and posting an assignment mark of 90 percent or higher nine times.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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