Jan. 14, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford senior center Graham Lemmond was named one of 54 members of the ninth-annual Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) Athletics Director's Association's Academic All-Star Team.

Lemmond started the last 22 games in a row at center for Samford after beginning his collegiate career as a defensive lineman. He was one of the leaders of Samford's offensive line for the past two seasons, and as a senior was named one of the team's four captains.

In the classroom, Lemmond has a 3.561 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. He is a three-time member of the Dean's List and a two-time member of the Ohio Valley Conference's Commissioner's Honor Roll.

Lemmond was also named a semi-finalist for the Draddy Trophy, which recognizes combined academic success, football performance and community leadership.

Football players from all Football Championship Subdivision institutions are eligible for these prestigious awards. Each of the 94 nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. He must have reached his second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. He must also have participated in 50 percent of the games played at his designated position.