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LSU football running back recognized for community service

By John Fye

Sep 17, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers running back Josh Williams (27) celebrates after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers running back Josh Williams (27) celebrates after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause-USA TODAY Sports /
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LSU football players have appeared on multiple preseason award watch lists. However, the most important award has recognized running back Josh Williams.

On Thursday, LSU football running back Josh Williams was one of the 108 players named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List.

The Wuerffel Award is arguably the most important among all college football awards because it recognizes community service excellence.

"The Wuerffel Trophy embodies Danny’s commitment to being a humanitarian, while honoring student-athletes who are inspired to serve others and make positive impacts on society."

The Wuerffel Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, determines the watchlist, finalists, and eventual winner. Finalists are announced on November 28th. Moreover, the Wueffel Trophy winner is announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN in December.

Josh Williams is a 5th-year senior who walked onto the LSU football program in 2019. The nephew of former LSU and NFL alum Harvey Williams, Josh has demonstrated perseverance and academic excellence during his tenure in Baton Rouge.

Williams overcame an ACL tear in his first season with the Tigers and became a vital LSU veteran player. He rushed for 532 yards and six touchdowns in six starts last season. Williams also excelled in the classroom, graduating with a 3.4 GPA and multiple SEC Academic Honor Roll appearances.

He was LSU football’s Percy E. Roberts Offensive Player of the Year Award recipient in 2022.

Rudy Niswanger is the first and only LSU football player to win the Wuerffel Trophy. Niswanger was a Tigers’ interior offensive lineman from 2002-05. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2006.

The Wuerffel Trophy is named for former Heisman Trophy-winning college quarterback Danny Wuerffel. Wuerffel led the Florida Gators to a National Championship in 1996 and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1997. His most important work remains off the field, leading a nonprofit organization focused on spiritual and community development in New Orleans.

Next. Pair of Tigers on 'best defender' award watch list. dark

Florida State’s Dillon Gibbons was the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy winner.

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