IRVING, Texas – Five Eastern Kentucky University football players are among the 1,200 student-athletes playing at all levels of college football who have already earned their undergraduate degrees and will be playing this fall while pursuing second diplomas, The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today.
The five Colonels are linebacker Gavin Bryant, wide receiver Neiko Creamer, offensive lineman Cameron Kowalewski, running back LJ Scott and defensive back Jared Tucker.
EKU was one of just six Ohio Valley Conference institutions with players on the list. No other OVC program had more than three.
“The National Football Foundation takes great pride in its role as a leading voice in the promotion of the scholar-athlete,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “And highlighting the 1,200 student-athletes who have not only earned their undergraduate degrees but are now pursuing additional diplomas sends a powerful message about the doors that college football opens. This list allows us to showcase those individuals who have truly taken full advantage of the opportunities created by college football.”
The NFF compiled the list with the help of athletics directors, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors from all divisions who identified the players on their 2018 fall rosters who have already earned their undergraduate degrees.
The numbers include 836 players from 125 schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 220 players from 62 schools in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), 123 players from 34 schools in Division II, nine players from nine schools in Division III and 12 players from five schools in the NAIA.
The Eastern Kentucky University football program features the “Best Tradition In FCS Football”, having won two national championships, 21 conference titles and made 21 playoff appearances. No other FCS team has won at least two FCS national titles and 20 or more conference championships. EKU has had 66 All-America selections and 33 NFL draft picks.
