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Clemson DT Christian Wilkins wins top scholar-athlete trophy

NEW YORK -- Clemson star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins won the William V. Campbell Trophy on Tuesday night, an award honoring college football's top scholar-athlete.

Wilkins earned a degree in communications last year, becoming the first scholarship football player from Clemson to graduate in two-plus years. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree in athletic leadership.

He received an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship by being one of 13 finalists and an additional $7,000 scholarship for winning the Campbell Trophy.

The other finalists were Army linebacker Kenneth Brinson; South Dakota State quarterback Taryn Christion; Grambling State linebacker De'Arius Christmas; Wisconsin safety D'Cota Dixon; North Carolina State quarterback Ryan Finley; St. Francis, Indiana, linebacker Piercen Harnish; Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley; Kansas State tackle Dalton Risner; Northern Illinois tackle Max Scharping; Wheaten linebacker Eric Stevenson; North Dakota State quarterback Easton Stick; and Notre Dame linebacker Drue Tranquill.