Nick Mertens, NDSU football player, was announced as one of 37 NCAA Division I candidates for the 2009 William V. Campbell Trophy. The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced the 154 semifinalists for the award on Oct. 1.

Mertens is a senior from East Grand Forks, Minn., and maintains a 3.80 grade-point average majoring in business administration.

The candidates are nominated by their schools, must be in their final year of eligibility, maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.2, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership skills and citizenship. The award program is the first to award post-graduate scholarships based on both a player’s academic and athletic accomplishments.

The award’s committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29, each finalist will be recognized at the National Football Foundation’s Annual Awards Dinner and receive an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Campbell Trophy winner will receive a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship and will be announced live at the National Football Foundation’s Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8.