IRVING, Texas  – Nicholls State University defensive lineman Zack Bernard has been named a semifinalist for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced Wednesday. 
 
Bernard is one of 39 semifinalists from the FCS level and one of just two recipients from the Southland Conference, joined by UIW's Jayden Borjas. A total of 201 student-athletics were named to the list which includes players from all four divisions of NCAA Football, as well as the NAIA. 

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the awards must be a senior or graduate student, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. 
 
Bernard holds a 3.64 GPA as an allied health major. Set to graduate this spring, he has earned Southland All-Academic in his career and has made the President's List four times. On the field, the Mandeville, Louisiana native has been a key contributor on the defensive line with 16.5 tackles for loss for his career and 5.5 sacks. 

Celebrating its 34th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Oct. 25, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2023 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments.