IRVING, Texas -- Aaron Borgerding, a senior defensive back on the UW-River Falls football team, has been nominated for the National Football Foundation's William V. Campbell Trophy.

The Campbell Trophy is college football's premier scholar-athlete award that annually recognizes an individual for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. 

Campbell Trophy eligibility requirements:

1. Nominee must be one of the following: a) senior in his final year of playing eligibility during the 2024 season; or b) graduated player or grad transfer with a degree in hand, who will participate in the 2024 season (even if he has remaining eligibility).
2. Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Even if your nominee is currently in grad school, we will only accept undergraduate grades (even for transfers).
3. Outstanding football ability as a starter/significant contributor.
4. Exemplary leadership on the field, in the classroom and within the community.
5. Only one nominee may be submitted per institution.

Borgerding, a Spring Valley, Wis., native, is a two-time All-WIAC honoree and hasn't missed a game throughout his career as a Falcon, having totaled 185 tackles with eight interceptions and 14 pass breakups in 32 games played, helping lead UWRF to its best three-year stretch in program history since 1995-97, turning in a 23-9 overall record since 2021 with a pair of Culver's Isthmus Bowl titles.

A Health and Human performance major at UWRF, Borgerding has made the dean's list each semester and is a three-time WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll member, was a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District award winner, and is a member of the National College Athlete Honor Society. A two-year team captain, he has also served on UWRF's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and has volunteered his time for many campus and community activities. 

"Aaron is not only one of the best players I have ever coached, but he is on the list for one of the best people, students, and leaders I have ever had the pleasure to be around," said UWRF head coach Matt Walker. "On a team full of great players and great people, Aaron is the unrivaled leader on and off the field. Beyond football, Aaron has also had a huge impact on our school and community. His commitment to our program's community service efforts has influenced our football team to help others."

Founded in 1947, the National Football Foundation (NFF) is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people.