On Wednesday, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation named the 156 semifinalists for the Walter V. Campbell award, and Penn State linebacker Jonathan Sutherland has been named a semifinalist.
The Campbell Award annually recognizes the football scholar-athlete that exemplifies performance on the field and in academics and is college football’s premier scholar-athlete award. Out of the 156 finalists that were named, 93 have already earned their bachelor’s degree, including Sutherland, who already earned his degree in Labor and Employment Relations and working on a master’s degree in International Affairs.
Sutherland is a sixth-year senior and a four-time team captain originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, who is on the watchlist for the Paul Horning Award for college football’s most versatile player. He moved from free safety to outside linebacker in the first offseason and remains a key member of Penn State’s special teams unit.
Sutherland has recorded seven tackles and a sack so far in the 2022 season. However, his numbers do not tell how his leadership has impacted Penn State’s defense. He made calls on defense and helped freshman Abdul Carter get in position so he can freely make plays on the ball.
This is well-earned recognition for Sutherland, a player who has always put his team over himself.
Twitter: @bwalkerdadon