Ashton Gillotte, the defensive end from the University of Louisville, is one of 108 student-athletes to be named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list for the upcoming 2023 season. The announcement was made by the organization on Thursday, recognizing Gillotte’s exceptional contributions on the field and in the community.
A rising junior from Boca Raton, Florida, Gillotte has emerged as one of the Cardinals’ most consistent performers on the defensive line. He recorded 24 tackles and 6.0 sacks in the 2022 season, contributing significantly to a defense that led the nation in sacks. Gillotte also stood out with 7.0 tackles for loss, ranking fifth on the team. Over his first two seasons, Gillotte has registered a total of 11.0 sacks and 16.0 tackles for loss, indicating a strong upward trajectory in his collegiate career.
The Wuerffel Trophy, widely recognized as College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service, holds a unique place among collegiate sports awards. Named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida, the trophy reflects Wuerffel’s commitment to community service that extended well beyond his football career. The award honors student-athletes who emulate this spirit, making positive impacts on society and demonstrating an exceptional commitment to serving others.
Danny Wuerffel commented on the award’s broader significance, stating, “The life-changing impact of thinking of others before ourselves is so rewarding, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many student-athletes recognize this, and use their platform for good. College Football players across the country are making a difference in their communities, and I’m excited to see so many incredible stories associated with the 2023 Wuerffel Trophy candidates.”
Nominations for the Wuerffel Trophy are made by the respective universities’ Sports Information Departments and will close on October 16. An up-to-date list of nominees can be found at the trophy’s official website. Semifinalists for the award will be announced on November 2nd, and finalists will be announced on November 28th. The formal announcement of the 2023 recipient will be made during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN on either December 7th or 8th. The presentation of the 2023 Wuerffel Trophy will take place on February 17, 2024, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA.
Offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons of Florida State University was the 2022 recipient of the Wuerffel Trophy. Like Gibbons, the 2023 recipient will be invited to join Wuerffel in New York City to attend the Heisman Trophy ceremonies, including the press conference, televised announcement show, and gala.
Past recipients of the Wuerffel Trophy include Rudy Niswanger – LSU – 2005; Joel Penton – Ohio State – 2006; Paul Smith – Tulsa – 2007; Tim Tebow – Florida – 2008; Tim Hiller – Western Michigan – 2009; Sam Acho – Texas – 2010; Barrett Jones – Alabama – 2011; Matt Barkley – USC – 2012; Gabe Ikard – Oklahoma – 2013; Deterrian Shackelford – Ole Miss – 2014; Ty Darlington – Oklahoma – 2015; Trevor Knight – Texas A&M – 2016; Courtney Love – Kentucky - 2017; Drue Tranquill – Notre Dame – 2018; Jon Wassink – Western Michigan – 2019; Teton Saltes – New Mexico – 2020; Isaiah Sanders – Stanford– 2021 and Dillan Gibbons – Florida State – 2022.
The Wuerffel Trophy is supported by its corporate partners Dart Container Corporation/Solo Cup and Herff Jones.
