IRVING, Texas — After distinguishing himself on the field, in the classroom and in the community, William & Mary senior offensive lineman Ryan McKenna was selected as a semifinalist for the 2024 Campbell Trophy.
The award, which is announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame, honors an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
McKenna is one of 203 distinguished semifinalists vying for the national honor.
A former walk-on, McKenna earned a scholarship in 2022 and is currently in his third season as the Tribe’s starting center and is a team captain.
The Doylestown, Pa., native garnered All-CAA honors last season after ranking eighth nationally among all centers according to PFF. Additionally, he allowed just one sack on 294 pass blocking snaps and graded better than 90 percent in eight games. He ranked sixth in the CAA among all offensive linemen with a minimum of 350 snaps according to PFF.
A preseason All-CAA selection, McKenna has been instrumental in W&M’s success this season as the Tribe currently leads the CAA and ranks fifth nationally in rushing (243.5). Additionally, W&M ranks 16th nationally in total offense (418.8) and 25th in scoring (31.0).
An outstanding student, McKenna earned his undergraduate degree in finance last spring and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in finance. McKenna earned CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll distinction six times and was recognized on W&M’s Dean’s List.
McKenna is also active in the community and is a team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Additionally, he is a leading member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has a NIL partnership with Literacy for Life.
The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Oct. 23, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2024 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class presented by Fidelity Investments. The award winner will be announced during the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 10 and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
