LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV Super Senior linebacker Austin Ajiake is one of 101 players on the final version of the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, which was unveiled this week by award organizers.
 
Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback from the University of Florida, Danny Wuerffel, the Wuerffel Trophy is presented each February. The trophy exists to honor college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society, and inspire greater service in the world.
 
Ajiake ("AH-g-kay") is in his fifth and final season for the Rebels. The Fremont, California, native and graduate of Bellarmine Prep currently leads the Mountain West with 87 total tackles (17 more than the next player) and his 10.9 takedowns per-game average ranks sixth in the nation. Ajiake is also tied for the team lead with three quarterback sacks and ranks second with two interceptions. The all-conference candidate was named MW Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 26 after helping his team win at Utah State.
 
Currently pursuing his master's degree in urban leadership, Ajiake is a seven-time member of the UNLV Dean's Honor List, was voted 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-District, is a two-time Mountain West Scholar-Athlete and a four-time Academic All-MW honoree. His list of community service includes participating in the department's Bed Build Day, a unique effort that saw more than 100 beds built by volunteers in conjunction with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to benefit local youth in need.
 
Nominations for the Wuerffel Trophy are made by the respective universities' sports information departments. Semifinalists for the award will be announced November 1 and finalists will be announced November 29. The formal announcement of the 2022 recipient will be made December 8 and the presentation of the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy will occur in February 2023 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
 
The Wuerffel Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. 
 
-UNLV-