Pitt, Penn State, WVU players recognized for community service

Bill Hartlep | Thursday, July 23, 2020 4:02 p.m.

Ohio State defensive lineman Davon Hamilton, left, defensive lineman Taron Vincent, second from right, and defensive end Chase Young, right, put the pressure on Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio.

The Wuerffel Trophy is known as “College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service.”

Apparently, several area players have made their mark on their communities.

Players from Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia were named to the Wuerffel Award watch list Thursday.

Pitt senior defensive end Patrick Jones II, and Penn State junior quarterback Sean Clifford were recognized, along with three honorees from West Virginia — senior safety Sean Mahone, junior quarterback Jarret Doege and redshirt sophomore wide receiver Sam James.

The award, named after 1996 Heisman Tropy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from Florida, honors players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society and inspire greater service in the world.

Jones II, also selected to the Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy and Nagurski Trophy watch lists, had 43 tackles and 8.5 sacks last season. He also has served with Pittsburgh’s Hill District Community Engagement Center, Dollar Energy Fund’s “Cool Down for Warmth” fundraiser, the “Race to Anyplace” to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Summer Camp, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Huddle Up 4 Heroes, the Detroit Food Bank, as well as wrapping presents for local families in need during the Christmas at Pitt event and participating each year in Pitt football’s annual day of service with various local non-profit organizations.

Clifford threw for 2,654 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. He also is on the O’Brien Award watch list.

He served as the president for Penn State’s Uplifting Athletes, helping the chapter raise nearly $1.4 million for kidney cancer treatment and research since the first Penn State Lift for Life was held in 2003. He also participates in the Penn State THON Explorers Program.

All three WVU players are football accountability teams leaders and are involved in team community service initiatives, as well as visits to WVU Medicine Children’s and serving as mentors, assisting the Mountaineer Day of Play.

Mahone had a team-high 80 tackles last season. Doege threw for 818 yards and seven scores in four games, and James had 69 receptions for 677 yards and two scores.

The winner will be announced at the National Football Foundation’s festivities in New York City on Dec. 8.

In addition, Penn State junior running back and kick returner Journey Brown was named one of 50 players to the Paul Hornung Award watch list.

It’s awarded to the most versatile player in major college football.

Brown averaged 6.89 yards per carry last season and scored 12 times.