Combs Wins Rudy Award
1/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 12, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- TCU placekicker Drew Combs has received the 2008 College Football Rudy Award.
The announcement was made Monday at the American Football Coaches Association Convention at the Opryland Hotel. Combs was presented a trophy and $5,000 scholarship by Rudy Ruettiger, namesake of the award.
The Rudy Award honors student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary character, courage, contribution and commitment as members of their collegiate football team. These same traits were immortalized by Ruettiger, a former Notre Dame walk-on, in the movie "Rudy."
Combs was born with a left arm that ends just below the elbow. He started every game the last two seasons for the Horned Frogs and recorded a career-best eight touchbacks in 2008. The senior from Houston also totaled three tackles in his career.
"We established this award as a special way to honor and recognize college football players for the size of their hearts instead of the enormity of their stats," Ruettiger said. "Drew Combs is a special young man who personifies the spirit of this award and is an inspiration to his teammates, as well as the many Americans facing similar challenges."
Through the Horned Frogs' television exposure, Combs and the TCU athletics department regularly received e-mails and phone calls from parents of congenital amputees as well as fans who know kids born with the same condition. Combs personally responded to every message. He takes pride in being an inspiration to others in need and providing hope and motivation for anyone he encounters.
The other 2008 Rudy Award finalists were Pittsburgh defensive back Dan Cafaro and Oklahoma safety/linebacker Nic Harris.
