CLEVELAND - The Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) has selected the association's 19th annual Scholar-Athletes of the Year.
Ezra Gray, running back for Alabama State University, and Andre Walker, linebacker from Houston Baptist University, were selected out of a field of 10 finalists and 53 FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team honorees to receive a $5,000 postgraduate scholarship.
"Once again the selection of the two recipients of the FCS ADA postgraduate scholarships was a difficult task," stated FCS ADA President Kent Haslam, director of athletics at the University of Montana. "All the candidates are outstanding and such impressive student-athletes. I congratulate Ezra and Andre on their accomplishments and wish them all the best in their postgraduate endeavors."
Gray graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems. He graduated with a 4.0 and received multiple academic awards including the Academic Excellence Award, Coca-Cola Scholar-Athlete, and the President's Award. Gray was named to the SWAC All-Conference 1st team and was the team captain for Alabama State University. For the season, Gray finished with 143 carries, 646 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Gray was also an impressive kick returner with 14 returns for 338 yards.
"Receiving this FCS ADA postgraduate scholarship has been a very motivating experience for me," stated Gray. "It is very encouraging to see the countless hours of hard work I've invested on and off the field, pay dividends. I'd like to thank God; through him all things are possible. I also want to take this time to thank everyone who has helped me along this journey. I hope that anyone who hears my story is inspired to achieve their goals and aspirations. Thank you, FCS ADA."
A biochemistry and molecular biology major with a 3.6 GPA, Walker led the FCS with 15.0 sacks and led the Southland Conference during the regular season with 19.5 tackles for loss. He was named to the American Football Coaches Association All-America First Team and HERO Sports All-America Team, after earning All-Southland Conference First Team honors. Walker was also voted a CoSIDA Academic All-American and was an Academic All-District selection for the third time. For the season, Walker posted 55 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three pass breakups. Walker finished his career as Houston Baptist's career all-time leader in sacks with 26.5 and fourth all-time at HBU with 191 tackles and second with four forced fumbles.
"I would first like to give a special thanks to God and my parents for help shaping me into the man I am today," said Walker. "I am extremely honored and grateful to receive the FCS ADA Postgraduate Scholarship, while also being able to proudly represent Houston Baptist University. After graduating, I plan to pursue a dual degree of Doctor of Medicine / Master of Business Administration. My goal is to use that knowledge to one day make my current company 'True Orion' a leader in the healthcare industry, while also pioneering interstellar space travel. Admiring people like Elon Musk and Patrick Soon-Shiong, I too want to help in revolutionizing the world, and this scholarship will help me make that goal a reality."
Gray and Walker will be formally recognized during the FCS ADA's annual awards luncheon, held in conjunction with the NACDA Convention, June 7-10, at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.
CLICK HEREÂ for more information about the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team and its nominating criteria.
A special Review Committee of FCS athletics directors was responsible for selecting the 2019 All-Star Team, the FCS ADA Postgraduate Scholarship finalists and ultimately the two scholar-athletes of the year. This year's Review Committee consisted of Kent Haslam, University of Montana; Ashley Robinson, Jackson State University; Nicki Moore, Colgate University; Tom Michael, Eastern Illinois University and Bill Smith, Bryant University.
