University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Picasso Nelson, Jr. named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list
7/26/2018 11:44:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss graduate student and defensive back Picasso Nelson, Jr. was named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list on Thursday. The honor is regarded as college football's premier community service award.
The Wuerffel Trophy is awarded annually to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Nelson earned Southern Miss' Best Male Citizen Award for the 2017-18 school year, the first student-athlete to claim it since football's Gerald McGrath in 2007. Nelson graduated with his BS in Business/Finance in the Fall of 2017 and is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Business Administration. Picasso is one of five Student-Athletes that have held a top-10 GPA in the College of Business' Banking and Finance Program. He is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and has participated in community service initiatives, including the Hattiesburg tornado relief effort in 2017.
Nelson missed last season due to a preseason injury, but started 11 games in 2016 while finishing third on the team in tackles (48). He also had two interceptions in the home finale win over LA Tech.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 1, with finalists declared Nov. 19. The winner will be formally announced Dec. 4 in New York at the National Football Foundation's press conference, with the trophy presented to the winner Feb. 15 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., at the 50th All Sports Association Awards Banquet.
The Wuerffel Trophy is awarded annually to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Nelson earned Southern Miss' Best Male Citizen Award for the 2017-18 school year, the first student-athlete to claim it since football's Gerald McGrath in 2007. Nelson graduated with his BS in Business/Finance in the Fall of 2017 and is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Business Administration. Picasso is one of five Student-Athletes that have held a top-10 GPA in the College of Business' Banking and Finance Program. He is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and has participated in community service initiatives, including the Hattiesburg tornado relief effort in 2017.
Nelson missed last season due to a preseason injury, but started 11 games in 2016 while finishing third on the team in tackles (48). He also had two interceptions in the home finale win over LA Tech.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 1, with finalists declared Nov. 19. The winner will be formally announced Dec. 4 in New York at the National Football Foundation's press conference, with the trophy presented to the winner Feb. 15 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., at the 50th All Sports Association Awards Banquet.
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