J.J. Weaver named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy's Preseason Watch List

The preseason watch lists keep coming. Earlier today, the Louisville Sports Commission recognized Barion Brown as a preseason candidate for the Paul Hornung Award. Then, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy released its preseason watch list, with Kentucky’s J.J. Weaver included as one of 111 preseason nominees.

Weaver, a sixth-year senior and team captain, has already started 29 games for Mark Stoops’ defense, highlighted by his Howard Schnellenberger M.V.P. performance in last year’s Governor’s Cup. A Louisville native, Weaver forced and recovered two fumbles against the Cards, leading to two UK scores. For the season, Weaver totaled 45 tackles and ranked second on the team with 8.5 tackles for loss and second in sacks with 7.0.

However, Weaver’s work off the field has earned him consideration for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. Some examples: He hosts community events such as football camps and bike drives, recently giving away 200 bikes to Lexington youth. Last fall, he started a grief counseling group on UK’s campus called “The Perfect Fit Support Group” after opening up about his own personal struggles. In the span of 13 months, Weaver lost his father to homicide, suffered a season-ending knee injury, and then lost his high school football coach to cancer. His “The Perfect Fit Support Group” will be available to all UK students this fall.

Earlier this year, Weaver received the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2024 Ron Butler Character in Adversity Award. Last week, he was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Watch List. Allstate partnered with The Wuerffel Foundation for college football’s highest community service honors. Eleven of the watch list candidates will be named to the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will also be semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.

Kentucky has a great human and a talented football player in Weaver. He’s a big piece of what’s to come this fall.

About the the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy

The Wuerffel Trophy honors college football players who serve others, celebrates their impact, and inspires greater service in the world.  As a member of the National College Football Awards Association, The Wuerffel Trophy was the first major award honoring the character of service to others.

Named after Hall of Fame quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who led the Florida Gators to their first National Championship in 1996, receiving the Heisman Trophy, Johnny Unitas and Campbell Awards, this award represents that which is good in the world of college sports.  As a nationally recognized humanitarian, Wuerffel inspires leaders to use their influence to make a positive impact.

We are proud of the many nominees, semifinalists, and award recipients who have chosen to serve others as they pursue greatness on the field and classroom. 

https://wuerffeltrophy.org/story/