Kolar named a finalist for William V. Campbell Trophy

Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State’s Charlie Kolar (88) celebrates a touchdown against Oregon during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-Arizona Republic

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State senior All-American tight end Charlie Kolar was named a finalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, announced today by the National Football Foundation.

The William V. Campbell Trophy is considered the Academic Heisman and is given annually to the nation’s best scholar-athlete football player.

Kolar’s selection also has him as a member of the 2021 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class. Kolar was chosen from a pool of 176 semifinalists and will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and be honored at the 63^rd NFF Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas on Dec. 7.

A native of Norman, Okla., Kolar is ISU’s greatest tight end and one of the most decorated players in school history as a two-time All-American and two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American. Kolar is the only football player in school history to earn First Team CoSIDA Academic All-America accolades twice.

Kolar owns all of ISU’s tight end school records in his fabulous career, including career receiving yards (1,773), career receptions (133) and career touchdown catches (19).

His 19 touchdown catches rank third and his 133 ranks seventh, respectively, on ISU’s overall career record lists.

Kolar, who has caught a pass in 30-straight games, the third-longest streak in school history and the nation’s eighth-best active streak, is having another outstanding season.

The two-time Mackey Award finalist is currently second on the team in receptions (27), receiving yards (348) and touchdown catches (2).

Kolar, a three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, graduated in the fall of 2020 with a 3.99 cumulative GPA in mechanical engineering. In March of 2021, Kolar received the prestigious Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award, honoring outstanding seniors who display high character, outstanding achievement in academics and university/community activities.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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