ATLANTA – Five Conference USA student-athletes have been selected to the 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Wuerffel Foundation announced Thursday.
 
Liberty running back Quinton Cooley, LA Tech linebacker Zach Zimos, MTSU quarterback Nicholas Vattiato, NM State wide receiver Allen Ortiz and WKU wideout Dalvin Smith all represent CUSA on the watch list for the award, which is presented annually to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field.
 
The defending CUSA Newcomer of the Year, Cooley led the nation’s top rushing offense (293.3) with national top-15 marks in rushing touchdowns (6^th, 16), rushing yards (7^th, 1,401) yards per carry (13^th, 6.34) and rushing yards per game (15^th, 100.1). During his first year with the Flames, Cooley completed more than 75 hours of community service through a variety of initiatives.
 
Zimos appeared in all 12 games, including five starts, and registered 60 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a pass breakup in 2023. He’s been involved with many projects in his time in Ruston, including Dog Haul, Elementary Drop Offs, Hometown Heroes, Campus Donuts and Paint Mental Health Room.
 
Vattiato became just the third different quarterback in MTSU history to record a 3,000-yard passing season (3,092) and ranked in the top-20 nationally in completions per game (13^th, 23.83) and completion percentage (18^th, .668). Additionally, he assisted with Read Across America, Earth Day and the Boys & Girls Club.
 
Ortiz joined the Aggie program ahead of the 2023 campaign and appeared in four games, contributing mostly on special teams during NM State's historic 10-win season. He dedicated time this summer supporting kids and families living in poverty in the country of Honduras, providing food, assistance and spiritual strength. He also volunteers with the youth group at Real Life Church.
 
Smith hauled in 50 passes for 513 yards and six touchdowns last season, including a season-high nine grabs for 77 yards and three scores in the team’s 38-35 overtime victory over Old Dominion in the Famous Toastery Bowl. He was a regular participant at WKU’s High Five Friday, Pass It On and Dance Big Red programs, and made 12 appearances at nonprofit organizations this spring.
 
College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service and one of the most meaningful awards in collegiate sports, The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida who parlayed his success on the football field into a lifetime of service. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy embodies Wuerffel’s commitment to being a humanitarian, while honoring student-athletes who are inspired to serve others and make positive impacts on society. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Trophy’s founding, and the Foundation will recognize the first nineteen recipients throughout the fall season.
 
Announced recently, the Wuerffel Foundation partnered with Allstate to unify college football’s highest community service honors. Eleven of the Watch List nominees will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be Allstate Wuerffel Trophy semifinalists. 
 
The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by an illustrious national voting committee, including a fan vote component, and announced on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12th.  The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will take place February 1, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
 
About the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, a member of the National College Football Awards Association, is college football’s premier award for community service. The trophy is presented annually by the Wuerffel Foundation to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer, Danny Wuerffel, the award honors his commitment to inspiring greater service and unity in the world. Established in 2005, the Wuerffel Trophy is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships and the 1996 National Championship. As a humanitarian, he continues to inspire leaders to positively impact their communities. Danny currently serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation and Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries. An avid pickleball player, he was drafted as a professional within the National Pickleball League and hosts celebrity pro-am “PickleBowl” tournaments.
 
About the NCFAA 
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards, and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit the NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.