Cole Named Semifinalist for 2017 Wuerffel Trophy

Cole Named Semifinalist for 2017 Wuerffel Trophy

11/2/2017 10:26:00 AM | Football

RALEIGH, N.C. - Junior punter A.J. Cole has been named one of 11 finalists for the 2017 Wuerffel Trophy, college football's premier award for community service.

Cole, who has already been named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® and is a nominee for the Ray Guy Award.

A standout performer on and off the field for the Wolfpack, Cole is averaging 44.7 yards per punt - the No. 13 mark in the FBS this week. 20 of his 36 kicks (56%) have been downed inside the opponents' 20 (the highest percentage in the ACC). He boasts the longest punt in the ACC this season (69 yards vs. South Carolina).

Off the field, Cole has been just as dynamic. A two-time ACC Academic Honor Roll selection, he has been one of the team's top volunteers in the community. In addition to frequent visits to schools and other service initiatives, he has spent the past three spring breaks in Nakuru, Kenya, ministering to the children at Mountain Park Academy with a group from the FCA.