UGA Football: Nakobe Dean Named Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalist

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia junior linebacker Nakobe Dean has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2021 Wuerffel Trophy, which is known as “college football’s premier award for community service.”

Dean, a native of Horn Lake, Miss., is one of three semifinalists from the Southeastern Conference.  Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 23 and the winner is scheduled to be announced on Dec. 9 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN.

Former Bulldog All-American and current Indianapolis Colt Rodrigo Blankenship was a semifinalist for the honor in 2019 while Jeb Blazevich was a 2016 Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist.  Former Georgia receiver and current Houston Texan Chris Conley (2014), Aaron Murray (2012) and Drew Butler (2011) were all finalists for the award.

Dean, who has a 3.53 in his Mechanical Engineering major, has been named to the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his dedication to the community.  Among other volunteer activities, Dean has helped with “Dawgs for Pups,” been a visitor at Camp Sunshine, given his time to Extra Special People (ESP) during the “Bulldogs and Buddies” practice visitation and participated in the Read Across America at local schools.

On the field, Dean is the second-leading tackler for the Bulldogs this season with 37 stops, including five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, and has two interceptions, including one pick he took back 50 yards for a touchdown versus Florida.  He has already been named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award and the Bednarik Award.

The No. 1 Bulldogs (8-0, 6-0 SEC) play host to Missouri (4-4, 1-3) on Saturday.  ESPN will televise the matchup at noon.