Penn State kicker Sam Ficken has been named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell trophy, colloquially considered the Academic Heisman.

Honored to have been chosen as a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy #studentathleteheisman

— Sam Ficken (@sficken1) September 25, 2014

The Campbell trophy “recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.”

167 college football student-athletes were named semifinalists for the award. The requirements entail senior class standing, a GPA of at least 3.2, as well as outstanding football and leadership abilities. Despite a career chronicled by ups and downs on the football field, the Indiana native has maintained a 3.59 cumulative grade point average while majoring in finance.

On the field, Ficken is having a career year. He’s hit 8/9 field goals, the lone miss a blocked kick at Rutgers, and has hit all 12 of his extra points. In the season opener against Central Florida in Ireland, Ficken hit four field goals, including a 36 yard game-winner as time expired.

Awarded by the National Football Foundation, the Campbell Award honors Bill Campbell, a former player and head coach at Columbia University, and 2004 recipient of the NFF’s Gold Medal.

The 25-pound bronze trophy given to the winner comes with a $25,000 post-graduate grant. Former Penn State offensive guard, scholarly superstar, and current Baltimore Raven John Urschel won the award last season.