The Campbell trophy is also known as the academic Heisman trophy, and the award goes to the student-athlete who best combined academic success with performance on the field and in the community.
Flyers senior David Leisring keeps the streak alive this season. The Cincinnati native carries a 3.74 GPA as a Finance major, and he owns 12 career interceptions as a three-year starter at safety.
“It’s an incredible honor,” Leisring said. “I think it’s a testament to this program, but it also makes me reflect on some guys that came before me that I had a chance to play with.”
One of those guys is Chris Beaschler was a senior when Leisring was a freshman. Beaschler is one of two Dayton players to be named a finalist for the Campbell Trophy.
“It tells us we’re recruiting the right young men,” Flyers head coach Rick Chamberlin said. “Guys that can come in here and play outstanding football but also get it done in the classroom and be a part of the community.”
Leisring is one of 179 semifinalists for the Campbell Award from all levels of college football.
Past recipients of the award include former Ohio State quarterback and St. Henry native Bobby Hoying along with Tennessee’s Michael Munoz, a former Moeller star and the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Benglas great Anthony Munoz.
The Flyers (2-2) are back on the road for the third time this month traveling to New York on Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Marist (0-3).
Dayton snapped a two-game losing streak last Saturday, rallying from a halftime deficit to beat Davidson 42-21.
Chamberlin said in the team’s two losses his guys have been their own worst enemy.
“What we’ve got to do is not make mistakes,” Chamberlin said. “That’s what we did against Southeast Missour and Duquesne, we just really shot ourselves in the foot and made mistakes at crucial times…we just can do that against teams that we’re playing because they will make you pay for it.”
SATURDAY’S GAME
Dayton at Marist, 1 p.m., AM 1290 and 95.7 WHIO
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