CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter is one of 16 finalists for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy, which is presented annually by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Football Hall of Fame to the best football scholar-athlete in the nation for their combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
The 16 finalists were selected from a record number of 201 semifinalists nationwide from among all NCAA divisions and the NAIA.
An Atlantic Coast Conference player has won the Campbell Trophy in three of the last nine seasons. Previous Campbell Trophy winners from current ACC schools are Clemson's Christian Wilkins in 2018, Virginia’s Micah Kiser in 2017, Duke’s David Helton in 2014, Miami’s Joaquin Gonzalez in 2001 and Virginia’s Thomas Burns in 1993.
The 16 finalists will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2023 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 5, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared the winner of the 34th Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the Campbell Trophy must be either a senior player who will complete his final year of eligibility during the 2023 season or be a graduated player who has been enrolled in school at least three (3) years (even if he has remaining eligibility), must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, must have outstanding football ability as a starter/significant contributor, and must have exhibited exemplary leadership on the field, in the classroom and within the community.
DeWayne Carter, DT – Duke University
3.47 GPA – Psychology
Head Coach: Mike Elko | Athletics Director: Nina King
Faculty Athletics Representative: Linda Franzoni
Recipient of the Jefferson Walker Kirby Scholar-Athlete Award, Endowed by the F.M. Kirby Foundation
The only three-year team captain in Duke history, Carter has been a dominant force for the Blue Devils while maintaining a 3.47 GPA and a full slate of community service activities. The Pickerington, Ohio, native becomes Duke's seventh NFF National Scholar-Athlete, including 2014 Campbell Trophy winner David Helton.
A 2021 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team selection and a two-time Academic All-ACC pick, Carter was named a 2021 Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar finalist. This past spring, he earned a spot on the 2023 NFF Hampshire Honor Society for his exceptional academic performance in college.
A force along the defensive line, Carter has played a key role in Duke's transformation from a 3-9 record in 2021 to a 9-4 finish last season, including a victory in the Military Bowl. The success has carried over into 2023, as the Blue Devils started the season at 4-0 for the first time since 1994.
Carter, a 6-3, 305-pound two-time All-ACC selection, has appeared in 47 career games, registering 110 tackles, 23.5 tackles-for-loss, 11.0 sacks, nine pass breakups, seven caused fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 12 quarterback pressures. He returned two of his fumble recoveries for touchdowns. He earned Third-Team All-America honors from the College Football Network last season, and he was named the Duke Defensive Lineman of the Year.
A member of the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and the 2020 recipient of the Ace Parker Award, which is presented annually to an individual who overcomes adversity to contribute to the team, Carter has done extensive outreach in the community. His volunteer work has included time with Habitat for Humanity, reading to elementary school students, coaching little league baseball, and tutoring in the KIPP Durham College Prep program. He is a board member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the vice president of Duke's Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and the public relations chair of the United Black Athletes.
"We are extremely proud to announce the finalists for this year's Campbell Trophy," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy recipient) and Eli were NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "These young men have an unrelenting commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives, and they represent all that is right in college football. As strong leaders in the vein of the trophy's namesake Bill Campbell, they all serve as living examples that the 'Future For Football' is bright. We are excited to honor their hard work and outstanding leadership with postgraduate scholarships."
"The NFF Awards Committee did an excellent job in selecting this year's National Scholar-Athletes," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Chosen from a record-breaking number of semifinalists, the finalists have undoubtedly distinguished themselves as some of the best student-athletes in the country. Each of these men is a leader on and off the field, and we know that they have only begun to reach their potential."
Following the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas, the recipient of the 2023 Campbell Trophy will be honored at several other prestigious events. On Thursday, Dec. 7, he will be interviewed live during the "The Home Depot College Football Awards" on ESPN. On Sunday, Dec. 10, he will sit on the dais during the Heisman Trophy dinner. Then on Monday, Dec. 11, a reception will be held in his honor at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), the official home of the trophy since 2013.
Launched in 1959, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards presented by Fidelity Investments celebrate their 65th year in 2023. The awards were the first initiative in history to grant postgraduate scholarships based on both a player's academic and athletic accomplishments. Since 2011, Fidelity Investments, a leading provider of workplace savings plans in higher education, has served as the presenting sponsor of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards.