Anthony Zettel was playing with a heavy heart last Saturday against the San Diego State Aztecs, and his courageous efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Zettel had a career outing against the Aztecs, remaining a constant threat against both the run and passing attack. Living in the San Diego State backfield, Zettel recorded a team-high seven tackles, two and a half tackles for a loss, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery, and a half sack. His incredible performance despite such difficult circumstances earned him a nomination for the Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award.

The award, won in 2014 by former Duke offensive guard Laken Tomlinson, celebrates players who accomplished a courageous feat be it on or off the field. Requirements for nomination include overcoming injury, preventing disaster, or enduring personal hardship. Players are nominated weekly, culminating in a winner being named at the end of the year. The award was created by ESPN The Magazine senior writer Gene Wojciechowski, and is voted on by a panel of writers from the FWAA.

Other players nominated for the award this year for the award are Bobby Swigert from Boston College, and Jake Olsen from USC.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Zettel and his family as he goes through this difficult time.