2007
Alex Brink
Quarterback, Washington State University

Washington State University quarterback Alex Brink, 22, a native of Eugene, Ore, was named recipient of the

Washington State's Alex Brink, third from left, lifts the 2007 ARA Sportsmanship Award as the school's AD, Jim Sterk, LaVell Edwards, head of the ARA Blue Ribbon Selection Panel, and Ed Hunt, ARA president, look on.

2007 ARA Sportsmanship Award. The award was presented at a half-time ceremony during the Washington State-Citadel basketball game at Key Arena before a crowd of about 13,000 in Seattle last Dec. 20.

“There was no shortage of stellar candidates this year across Division I,” said Ed Hunt, ARA’s 2007-2008 president. “We’re encouraged by the volume and caliber of candidates, but Alex Brink was our stand out, he lives and breathes good sportsmanship and we are honored to name him the 2007 recipient of our award.”

“We look for players that truly make a difference in whatever they do and Alex is our guy,” commented LaVell Edwards, former Brigham Young University head football coach. As chair of the ARA Sportsmanship Award selection committee, Edwards presented Alex with the award.

 “He’s smart, poised, positive and gracious with his teammates, coaches, the media, fans, teachers and the community he serves. He leads his team with class on campus and in the community,” explained Edwards. “He’s wise beyond his years and someone young kids can and should look up to.” 

The ARA Sportsmanship Award is presented to the NCAA Division 1 collegiate football player who most exemplifies sportsmanship on and off the field. Brink, 22, was selected from 10 finalists representing schools across the country. Previous winners are Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (2005) and St. Louis Rams running back Brian Leonard (2006).

“There’s a lot of people (at WSU) to thank,” Brink said at a press conference prior to the game, where he showed his strength by lifting the 125-pound award, adding that “but a lot of it goes back to my mom, a kindergarten teacher in Oregon. She always taught me academics and doing the right thing, and that being a good person off the field, were the most important things.”

In his remarks at the press conference, Edwards noted that “I was reading through the recommendations, and, just reading through them, I had a very strong feeling this was the guy I wanted if I could make the selection myself.”

2006
Brian Leonard
Fullback, Rutgers University

Brian Leonard was a five-year member of the Scarlet Knights football team and was honored with a Heisman trophy bid. Sports Illustrated called Brian one of “the most underrated players,” thanks to his abilities as a tenacious blocker and a threat to run or catch the ball from the backfield. He’s considered one of the nation’s premier fullbacks, and was a critical element in the renaissance of Rutgers’ football program. He rushed for 2,731 yards and 1,862 receiving yards during his college career.

In his time at Rutgers, his academic accomplishments were noticed as well; he was named to ESPN magazine’s Academic All-District 2 Football Team, was a three-time member of the Big East All-Academic Team and the All-American first team assembled by Pro Football Weekly, and also won the Draddy Trophy.

He’s also a leader and shows good sportsmanship off the field, as evidenced by his commitment to reaching out to kids, visiting them in hospitals, speaking at football camps and reading to them in schools. He is truly a hero in this community.

In his nomination application, it was noted that Leonard’s humility became evident in his first full season of action, during which he exploded onto the national scene by being selected freshman All-American and Big East Freshman of the Year by several publications.  When asked by a reporter why he credits everyone but himself for his individual success, Brian said, “my parents brought me up to be modest. I don’t mind talking to the media at all, but I just like talking about my team.”

Brian was the overall 52nd pick during the recent NFL draft and now plays for the St. Louis Rams.

2005
DeAngelo Williams
Running Back, University of Memphis
DeAngelo Williams, currently playing for the NFL on the Carolina Panthers, was a four-year member of the Tiger football team at the University of Memphis. He was a candidate for the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award, as well as the Walter Camp Award. He started 29 of 38 games as a tailback for the Tigers, and he’s also lined up at quarterback to accept the direct snap for a rush when needed.

In three straight games, Williams rushed for 200-plus yards, becoming the only Conference USA player to rush for 200 or more yards in three consecutive games. Williams is primed to become one of the top five running backs in NCAA history and is on pace to also break into the top five in all-purpose yards.

But that’s just on the field. He’s also a leader and shows good sportsmanship off the field, as evidenced by his role as an ambassador for both the Memphis football program and for the university.

In his nomination application, it was noted that Williams shows respect in everything he does. He is always complimentary of his opponent, his coaches and his teammates, no matter the circumstance. Coach Tommy West often used Williams as an example to younger players to show them that if it wasn’t for others, you wouldn’t have the opportunity you have.

One of the words used to describe integrity is “complete,” and that is how his coaches often describe Williams. He is the total player who has athletic ability, a strong work ethic and is dedicated to the classroom and to the community off the field.