2005 Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth

Rudy Niswanger - Louisiana State University - Offensive Lineman

During The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame's 48th Annual Awards Dinner on December 6, 2005, before a sold out crowd at the Waldorf-Astoria, it was announced that Rudy Niswanger of Louisiana State University was the 2005 recipient of the Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth. Often referred to as the “Academic Heisman,” the Draddy Award is given to the nation's top scholar-athlete and awards a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship. Niswanger bested a field of 15 other national scholar-athletes and Draddy Trophy finalists that were recognized on December 6, all chosen from a pool of 184 semi-finalists.

Perfection personified. A key leader in the LSU community, Rudy Niswanger has mastered the quintessential balance of athletic and academic excellence. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, Niswanger graduated in May with Summa Cum Laude honors. An ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America First Team selection in 2004 and Second Team pick in 2003, he was named a University Medalist and three-time LSU Academic Student-Athlete of the Year. A four-time member of the SEC Honor Roll, Niswanger is a member of LSU’s Chancellor’s Honor Roll and the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Fraternity. A physical specimen at 6-foot-5, 294 pounds, Niswanger has anchored the LSU offensive line for three years, guiding them to the 2003 National Championship. Having played and started at all five offensive line positions, he has helped the Tigers to three bowl game appearances. A 2005 team captain, Niswanger is a nominee for the Rimington Award. A member of the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Niswanger is a speaker for various groups and schools in the Baton Rouge area and is an active member of the Campus Crusade for Christ. A member of the LSU Football Unity Council, he volunteers with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and assisted shelters following Hurricane Katrina. Past recipients of the award include: Michael Munoz, University of Tennessee (2004); Craig Krenzel, Ohio State University (2003); Brandon Roberts, Washington University in St. Louis (2002); Joaquin Gonzalez, University of Miami (2001); Kyle Vanden Bosch, University of Nebraska (2000); Chad Pennington, Marshall University (1999); Matt Stinchcomb, University of Georgia (1998); Peyton Manning, University of Tennessee (1997); Danny Wuerffel, University of Florida (1996); Bobby Hoying, Ohio State University (1995); Rob Zatechka, University of Nebraska (1994); Thomas Burns, University of Virginia (1993); Jim Hansen, University of Colorado (1992); Brad Culpepper, University of Florida (1991); and Chris Howard, U.S. Air Force Academy (1990). College football playing student-athletes must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), have shown superior academic application and performance, have outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and citizenship to be eligible for The National Football Foundation's Scholar-Athlete Awards.