In a testament to his character on and off the field, Eastern Michigan University’s senior defensive back David Carter Jr. (Ecorse, Michigan/River Rouge) has been named one of the record 111 nominees for the 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. Today, this recognition highlights Carter's commitment to community service and his impact as a student-athlete.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, named after the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel, is celebrated as college football's premier award for community service. It honors student-athletes who embody Wuerffel’s legacy of humanitarianism and dedication to serving others. This year marks the trophy's 20th anniversary, and the foundation will spotlight its first 19 recipients throughout the season.
"I am deeply honored to see such outstanding individuals nominated for this year's Allstate Wuerffel Trophy," said Wuerffel in an Eastern Athletics interview. "Their commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in their communities is truly inspiring. Throughout my life and career, I have always believed in the importance of putting others before yourself and striving to make a difference. These nominees exemplify those values, and I am proud to celebrate their dedication to humanitarian efforts and selfless service."
In a new partnership with Allstate, the Wuerffel Foundation will select 11 nominees to join the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and advance as Allstate Wuerffel Trophy semifinalists.
Carter's nomination is a fitting tribute to his remarkable contributions on and off the field. Last season, Carter tallied 20 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, tying his career high with six tackles against the University of Massachusetts. In 2021, he made headlines with a thrilling 98-yard interception return for a touchdown against No. 17 Wisconsin. Academically, Carter graduated with a degree in Communication from EMU in April 2024.
Off the field, Carter has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service, logging 20.5 hours of volunteer work this year alone. He has been a key participant in EMU's Annual Victory Day, engaging with cognitively and physically impaired community members. Carter has also read to students at local elementary schools, assisted at the VA Hospital, and volunteered with organizations such as Foundation Preschool, Huron Valley PACE, and the Christian Love Fellowship Church Day of Reading. During bowl week in Mobile, he helped assemble food boxes at Prodisee Pantry.
The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipients will be selected by a prestigious national voting committee and a fan vote. The winners will be announced on ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12, and the trophy presentation gala will be held on Feb. 1, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Following in the footsteps of San Diego Chargers wide receiver and 2023 winner Ladd McConkey, this year's recipient will join Danny Wuerffel in New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremonies, including the press conference, televised announcement show, and gala.
