The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Isaiah Jacobs Named Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Semifinalist
10/21/2024 12:15:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM - UAB running back Isaiah Jacobs has been named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, presented annually to the player who most exemplifies a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.
The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife Michelle. The SCORE Foundation, founded in 2007, has positively impacted tens of thousands of children and families in Texas and Tennessee over the last 16 years. The foundation operates its nationally-recognized SCOREkeepers program, which places trained male mentors on staff to work with children at family violence shelters, at nine shelters in the two states.
The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award recognizes 20 semifinalists across the FBS. Jacobs is one of only two players from the AAC to be recognized.
The Blazers' two-time captain and co-starter at running back, Jacobs was named to the 2023-24 American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. Jacobs overcame homelessness as a child and also bounced back from a season-ending ACL injury last season. His greatest passion is serving others, and so far this season he has logged 46.25 community service hours with 13 different organizations since January 1, 2024.
Before going down with another season-ending injury this season against Navy on September 28, Jacobs recorded 162 rushing yards on 41 carries. Additionally, he tallied 33 receiving yards on seven catches.
Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 12, 2025.
