McDonald Up for Wuerffel Trophy
7/31/2025 2:13:00 PM | Football
Senior linebacker Derek McDonald is one of 116 nominees for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, which released its watch list on Thursday.
The Wuerffel Trophy recognizes college football players from across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) who exemplify community service, academic excellence and athletic achievement. It is widely regarded as college football's premier award for student-athletes who use their platform to serve others and create positive change.
McDonald, who was named the Syracuse Football team's spring community service award winner, was also previously recognized by the ACC as a recipient of their "Top-Six for Service" award. Over the past-three years, McDonald has logged more than 100 hours of community service with Syracuse City Schools, meeting with and reading to local children. He has also participated in neighborhood cleanup programs, where members of the Syracuse football program clean up trash and debris from sidewalks and roadways in various areas of the city.
The Atlanta, Georgia native has 160 career tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception in his collegiate career, which spans 37 games played and 26 starts.
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The Wuerffel Trophy recognizes college football players from across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) who exemplify community service, academic excellence and athletic achievement. It is widely regarded as college football's premier award for student-athletes who use their platform to serve others and create positive change.
McDonald, who was named the Syracuse Football team's spring community service award winner, was also previously recognized by the ACC as a recipient of their "Top-Six for Service" award. Over the past-three years, McDonald has logged more than 100 hours of community service with Syracuse City Schools, meeting with and reading to local children. He has also participated in neighborhood cleanup programs, where members of the Syracuse football program clean up trash and debris from sidewalks and roadways in various areas of the city.
The Atlanta, Georgia native has 160 career tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception in his collegiate career, which spans 37 games played and 26 starts.
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