University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis QB Brady White named semifinalist for Wuerffel Trophy
Dec 07, 2020 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis quarterback Brady White has been named one of nine semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, adding to his growing list of potential postseason awards.
Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel, the Wuerffel Trophy is presented annually to the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with academic and athletic achievement.
White, a senior, is Memphis' all-time leader in career passing touchdowns with 85 and needs just 56 passing yards to set that school career record. His 26 wins as a starting quarterback at Memphis are also a program record.
A three-year starter at Memphis, White has been especially impressive in key moments this season. He has helped lead Memphis (6-3, 4-3 AAC) to comeback victories in four of its conference wins this season. He threw last-minute, game-winning touchdown passes in a 21-point comeback over UCF, the largest in school history, and a 13-point comeback over USF. His 15 second-half touchdown passes this season lead the nation.
Since transferring to Memphis from Arizona State in 2018, White has been consistently active in the community. During the 2020 season, he has participated in Wisdom Wednesdays, speaking to local elementary students to provide motivation and inspiration. He has also participated in Zoom calls coordinated with the Memphis Youth Detention Center to speak with recently release juveniles to help them navigate the transition from the center.
During the 2019 season, White completed 35 hours of community service, including visits to LeBonheur Children's and St. Jude Children's hospitals. His work with children in the Memphis community also included helping the Jessie Reed Foundation distribute Joy Jars.
"Brady's commitment to community service, especially as it pertains to helping the youth in our community, is an inspiration to not only his teammates but his coaches and our entire staff," said Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield. "He's an outstanding role model who always finds the time to give back despite the demands that come with being a student-athlete of the highest caliber, which he is. We are extremely fortunate to have him as an exemplary leader for us on and off the field."
Academically, White has a bachelor's degree in business from Arizona State and a master's degree in sports commerce from the UofM. He is currently a doctoral candidate in liberal studies.
White is also one of 12 finalists for the Campbell Trophy, known as the academic Heisman, and one of 15 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He is an East-West Shrine Bowl invitee and a member of the Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2020.
Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalists
- Shai Werts, QB, Georgia Southern
- Michael Saffell, OL, Cal
- Luke Fortner, OL, Kentcuky
- Brady White, QB, Memphis
- Mac Brown, P, Ole Miss
- Teton Saltes, OL, New Mexico
- Tyriq Harris, DB, North Carolina
- Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas
- Mike Caliendo, OL, Western Michigan
