TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Wildcats redshirt senior offensive lineman Cody Creason has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2019 William V. Campbell Trophy, the National Football Foundation announced on Wednesday. The prestigious award, in its 30th year, is presented annually to the nation's top football scholar athlete, taking into account academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership.

To be eligible for the award, a player must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of playing eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2, have outstanding football ability, and demonstrate strong leadership and citizenship.

Creason has been a crucial member of a Wildcats offense line that has paved the way for the nation's No. 5 ranked rushing offense. The Folsom, California native has been a mainstay up front for the Cats since 2016, over which span the Cats have led the Pac-12 Conference in both rushing yards per game and fewest sacks allowed.

In addition to his performance on the field, Creason has consistently achieved at a high level in the classroom. As an accounting major, he has posted a cumulative GPA of 3.308 at Arizona's lauded Eller College of Management and been selected Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention twice in 2016 and 2018. Creason is currently pursuing his master's degree in accounting.

Creason has also displayed outstanding leadership qualities with and away from the football program. He was selected and serves as a member of the Wildcats season-long Leadership Council and has volunteered his time around the community on multiple occasions. He served as a game captain for the Wildcats against NAU.

Next in the process will be the selection of 12-14 finalists, which will be announced by the National Football Foundation on Oct. 30. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and travel to New York City for the annual NFF Awards Dinner in December.

Creason and the Wildcats return to action this Saturday, Sept. 28 against the UCLA Bruins at Arizona Stadium. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MST, with tickets still available at ArizonaWildcats.com/FB.