BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A UAB running back is one of 20 semifinalists for the eighth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award.
Isaiah Jacobs is in the running for the 2024 edition of the honor that recognizes a college football player's leadership on and off the field, according to UAB on Tuesday. More specifically, the award acknowledges a student-athlete's courage, integrity and sportsmanship.
Jacobs, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, overcame homelessness growing up. A two-time captain for the Blazers, the redshirt senior came to Birmingham via Maryland and Independence Community College. Since Jan. 1, Jacobs has registered 46.25 community service hours with 13 different organizations.
A 2023-24 American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team member, Jacobs suffered a season-ending ACL injury in his first season with the Blazers. He found the field again but sustained an injury Sept. 28 versus Navy that is keeping him out the rest of the 2024 campaign. He finished the 2024 season with 162 rushing and 33 receiving yards.
The award is named after Jason Witten, who was a star tight end at the University of Tennessee and for the Dallas Cowboys. The three finalists for the honor will be announced Dec. 16, and the winner will be revealed at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 12.