Along with embracing the challenges of changing programs and positions this season, Syracuse Orange safety Jordan Martin has also embraced his work in the classroom.
On Wednesday, it was announced that the redshirt senior was named a William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist, along with 180 other players in the country. The trophy, is presented by the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame each year to honor football’s top scholar athlete.
During his four years at Toledo before this, Martin was a two-time MAC All-Academic Team choice, and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. At Syracuse, where he’s playing his final season as a graduate transfer, he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in instructional design, development and evaluation at the School of Education.
The award also recognizes players with exceptional contributions to community service. Martin has been a youth program coordinator and camp advisor in Maryland, while also volunteering with local charities in Toledo while a player with the Rockets.
Since stepping in as a starting safety in week two, Martin has been a key cog in the Orange secondary. He has 13 tackles and one pass break-up so far this year. Prior to coming to SU, he was largely a cornerback.
The National Football Foundation will announce finalists for the Campbell Trophy on November 1. Those 12 to 14 individuals will then fly to New York for the awards dinner on December 5. Each finalist will receive a $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, while the winner will get a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship instead.
Syracuse has never had a Campbell Trophy winner since the award began in 1990. However, Rex Culpepper’s father Brad won the honor back in 1991 with Florida. Recent Orange semifinalists for the award have included Cameron MacPherson (2016), Riley Dixon (2015) and Sam Rodgers (2014).