Hobart College graduate student Cade Frucci is one of 156 college football players nationwide announced today as a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation's 2022 William V. Campbell Trophy, which honors the nation's premier scholar-athlete. He is one of only 29 semifinalists from Division III.
 
Celebrating its 33rd year, the Campbell Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. On Oct. 26, the NFF will narrow the field to a group of 12-14 finalists. The Campbell Trophy winner will be announced during the NFF Awards Dinner at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas Dec. 6.
 
"Cade is a great example of a top student-athlete and selfless leader, helping others and pushing them to greater heights," says Hobart Head Coach Kevin DeWall '00. "His influence has been a significant part of our success as a program."
 
Frucci graduated from Hobart in May. He majored in writing and rhetoric with a minor in history. He was named to the Dean's List seven times and was twice named a Hobart Heritage Scholar. At the 2022 Senior Symposium, Frucci presented, "Journalism and Crisis: A Discursive Analysis."
 
Frucci is currently pursuing a master's degree in management.
 
On the football field, Frucci is a three-year starter on the offensive line for the Statesmen. Last season, he earned All-Liberty League second team honors after helping Hobart rank third in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (0.45/g) while helping the offense gain 374.6 yards per game. The 2021 Statesmen went 9-2 overall and won the ECAC Asa S. Bushnell Bowl 21-3 at Westminster (Pa.).
 
In addition to all-conference honors, Frucci was also named to the 2021 College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-District team. He is also a three-time Liberty League All-Academic selection.
 
On top of his academic pursuits and athletic achievements, Frucci has served as a writing colleague and an athletic study mentor. As a writing colleague, he was a bridge between the faculty and students helping develop course materials, providing feedback related to student writing and helping students with their writing process. As the study mentor for the football team, Frucci worked with his first-year teammates to develop learning and time management strategies, and guide them through the transition to college life.
 
During his time on campus, Frucci and the Statesmen have posted a 26-9 record, winning bowl games in 2019 and 2021. This season, Hobart is 3-1 heading into its Liberty League opener against nationally-ranked Ithaca (3-0). The HWS Homecoming and Family Weekend game kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 on Boswell Field at Urick Stadium.
 
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the Campbell Trophy must 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.