The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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14 THE WOLVERINE NOVEMBER 2017 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS On Sept. 27, the National Football Foundation announced 181 semifinalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which annually recognizes the top col- legiate football scholar-athlete. Michigan fifth-year senior linebacker Mike Wroblewski was fortunate enough to make the list. "It means a lot to finally see the rewards for the work I've put in pay off," he said. "Every student-athlete knows it's not easy being one, especially when you're having to deal with time commitments, getting your work done, practice, meetings and workouts. To be recognized for that is a good feeling." The award states that each semifinalist must be in their final year of eligi- bility, hold a 3.2 grade-point average or better, have outstanding football ability, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship qualities. The field will be narrowed down to 12-14 finalists Nov. 1, all of which will re- ceive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class. Wroblewski admitted it would be pretty special to win the award. "It would be very cool," he exclaimed. "I don't know the exact number of candidates, but I know there are a lot, so to be recognized as the best would be incredible." The fifth-year senior's athletic story is just as fascinating as his academic one. He joined the team as a walk-on in 2013 and, despite not seeing game action during his first three years, was awarded a scholarship prior to the 2016 season. Now in his fifth and final year, Wroblewski is a regular on special teams and a contributor on defense. He has four tackles and a forced fumble through six games. "Playing football at the University of Michigan is the biggest athletic achievement of my life," he said. "A lot of kids dream about doing it, so it's huge for me to be able to run out of that tunnel in front of 115,000 people. Just being out on that field and playing for a team I've always wanted to be a part of is a dream come true." Wroblewski understands that football won't last forever though and has an idea about what he'd like to do after it. "I want to do something business-related in the health field," he revealed. "I'm majoring in health and fitness, and am open to a lot of things. I find so many different areas fascinating and want to be involved in as much as possible after football." The fifth-year senior explained that he's getting close to finally receiving a coveted Michigan degree. "I don't have it yet, but I'm finishing up my last two classes in kinesiology," he revealed. "The workload is actually pretty light right now, but I'm almost there. "It'll mean a lot to me once I get it. Five years of studying will finally be complete, and it'll be a great feeling just to have that degree in my hand." — Austin Fox Student-Athlete Of The Month Football Fifth-Year Senior Linebacker Mike Wroblewski OF THE MONTH "Count me as a fan" — @ RSherman_25 Seattle Seahawks star cornerback Richard Sherman replied to a Michigan Football tweet featuring video of Lavert Hill's interception against Indiana with eye emojis and hands clapping. U-M graduate assistant Drew Terrell then responded to Sherman saying 'Dat boy good!' which led to Sherman's tweet above. It's worth noting the three-time first-team All-Pro Sherman is currently teammates with Hill's brother, former U-M safety and Seattle rookie Delano. Fifth-year senior Mike Wroblewski was awarded a scholarship prior to the start of the 2016 campaign. The linebacker went on to earn his first varsity letter after playing in nine games last year. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN