LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV linebacker Jackson Woodard was announced Tuesday as one of 20 semifinalists for the eighth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award.
 
The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award is presented annually to the FBS college football player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field. The award honors the type of exemplary character and commitment to community, family and teammates demonstrated by Jason Witten, the 2012 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year.
 
Three finalists will be named on December 16 and the winner will be announced at a ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2025.
 
"I'm honored to announce the semifinalists for the Collegiate Man of the Year," said Witten. "These 20 young men are perfect examples of what makes college football so great. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership and character, often while overcoming large challenges. They are great representatives for their schools and the game of football, and I commend all nominees for getting to this point."
 
Woodard, a senior from Little Rock, Arkansas, was the league's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and named national defensive player of the week by both Walter Camp and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy after his performance in a season-opening win at Houston. He has already tied a school record by winning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week three times this fall and currently ranks second in the nation in interceptions with four and second in passes defended to go with his 61 total tackles, a total that ranks third in the conference.
 
The former walk-on at Arkansas is also a member of the official watch lists for the Nagurski Trophy as well as the Butkus Award and Chuck Bednarik Award. The first First Team Academic All-America winner from UNLV football, the two-year team captain was also on the watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy and the team's nominee for the AFCA Good Works Team for his work off the field.
 
Woodard and the Rebels will celebrate Homecoming on Friday by welcoming Boise State to Allegiant Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are all on sale by calling (702) 739-FANS or visiting unlvtickets.com.