Fresno State Athletics
Wheatfall named to Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List
9/2/2020 5:00:00 PM | Football
TYLER, Texas – Senior wide receiver Keric Wheatfall was announced on Wednesday as one of 47 individuals named to the eighth annual Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List. It was announced today live on The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Facebook page.
The namesake of the award, Earl Campbell, is a legendary Heisman winning running back who attended the University of Texas (1974-77), and was recruited from John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas. Therefore, the award spotlights Division I football's top offensive player who has a strong connection to the Lone Star State.
The recipient of the award must meet one or more of the following criteria - born in Texas; and/or graduated from a Texas High School; and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four-year college - as well as exhibit the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell. Characteristics such as integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity; specifically, tenacity to persist and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals.
Wheatfall was born in Brenham, Texas, attended Cypress Ranch High School in Houston, Texas, and prior to transferring to Fresno State, was one of the top wide receivers for Blinn College.
In 2019, Wheatfall's first season with the Bulldogs, he started four times and appeared in 10 games. He had 17 catches for 307 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 18.1 yards per catch and tied for third on the team in receiving yards.
This year's watch list includes 47 players from all 10 conferences. From the Mountain West, Wheatfall was joined by CT Thomas (Boise State), Bryson Carroll (New Mexico) and Nick Starkel (San Jose State).
For the full list, visit www.earlcampbellaward.com (PDF).
More about the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award was announced in 2012 by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and SPORTyler.
"We are fortunate to have a celebrity who exhibits the impeccable virtues that define this award," Cindy Smoak, Executive Director, SPORTyler said. In addition to being a well-known sports figure, Earl also earned a college degree, married his high school sweetheart, raised two successful sons and still supports the community where he grew up."
Under storied head coach Darrell K. Royal, Campbell led the nation with 1,744 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns his senior season, and went on to win the Longhorns' first Heisman Trophy.
He was subsequently drafted by the Houston Oilers where he won Rookie of the Year honors in 1978 and went on to lead the NFL in rushing 3 times. Campbell earned NFL MVP in 1979 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. He now resides in Austin.
"All my life, all I wanted to do was be an athlete," Campbell said. "I kept God in my life and surrounded myself with good people. I am humbled by this award named in my honor."
For more information about The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award go to www.earlcampbellaward.com.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley ''– The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
The namesake of the award, Earl Campbell, is a legendary Heisman winning running back who attended the University of Texas (1974-77), and was recruited from John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas. Therefore, the award spotlights Division I football's top offensive player who has a strong connection to the Lone Star State.
The recipient of the award must meet one or more of the following criteria - born in Texas; and/or graduated from a Texas High School; and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four-year college - as well as exhibit the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell. Characteristics such as integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity; specifically, tenacity to persist and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals.
Wheatfall was born in Brenham, Texas, attended Cypress Ranch High School in Houston, Texas, and prior to transferring to Fresno State, was one of the top wide receivers for Blinn College.
In 2019, Wheatfall's first season with the Bulldogs, he started four times and appeared in 10 games. He had 17 catches for 307 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 18.1 yards per catch and tied for third on the team in receiving yards.
This year's watch list includes 47 players from all 10 conferences. From the Mountain West, Wheatfall was joined by CT Thomas (Boise State), Bryson Carroll (New Mexico) and Nick Starkel (San Jose State).
For the full list, visit www.earlcampbellaward.com (PDF).
More about the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award was announced in 2012 by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and SPORTyler.
"We are fortunate to have a celebrity who exhibits the impeccable virtues that define this award," Cindy Smoak, Executive Director, SPORTyler said. In addition to being a well-known sports figure, Earl also earned a college degree, married his high school sweetheart, raised two successful sons and still supports the community where he grew up."
Under storied head coach Darrell K. Royal, Campbell led the nation with 1,744 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns his senior season, and went on to win the Longhorns' first Heisman Trophy.
He was subsequently drafted by the Houston Oilers where he won Rookie of the Year honors in 1978 and went on to lead the NFL in rushing 3 times. Campbell earned NFL MVP in 1979 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. He now resides in Austin.
"All my life, all I wanted to do was be an athlete," Campbell said. "I kept God in my life and surrounded myself with good people. I am humbled by this award named in my honor."
For more information about The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award go to www.earlcampbellaward.com.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley ''– The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Players Mentioned
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