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MSU recruit Messiah deWeaver named 25th annual Watkins award winner

March 14, 2016
Freshman quarterback Messiah deWeaver speaks to members of the media during a round table press conference on Jan. 15, 2016 at Spartan Stadium. After Coach Mark Dantonio addressed the press, seven of the eight early enrollees discussed their excitement for joining the program and their adjustment to college life.
Freshman quarterback Messiah deWeaver speaks to members of the media during a round table press conference on Jan. 15, 2016 at Spartan Stadium. After Coach Mark Dantonio addressed the press, seven of the eight early enrollees discussed their excitement for joining the program and their adjustment to college life.

While Messiah deWeaver is acclimating to college in East Lansing, he’s adding to his trophy collection during the offseason.

The current Spartan was presented the 25th annual Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Award by the National Alliance of African American Athletes Saturday night. The Dayton, Ohio native received the award based on his performance both on and off the field.

deWeaver attended Wayne High School in Ohio, where he lead his team to a 49-9 overall record with appearances in back-to-back state championships. For his entire career, he went for 7,660 total yards with 90 touchdowns.

He earned his fourth star as a recruit during his senior season. He exploded to pass for 2,924 yards and 32 touchdowns, only recording four interceptions.

Off the field, deWeaver held a 4.0 grade-point average and was a member of the National Honor Society. Graduating high school early, he is currently one of eight early enrollees on campus trying to make their impact on the Spartan football team.

To be considered for the award, the finalists were selected based on unweighted GPA, a personal statement, extracurricular activities, community service and letters of recommendation.

Multiple past winners of the award have gone on to play in the National Football League. They are highlighted by current NFL player Jameis Winston and Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle.

Rolle, the 2006 Watkins award winner, was also the keynote speaker at the event.

“This is an incredible honor to be the standard bearer for this class,” deWeaver said in a press release. “I look forward to being a role model for younger kids to look up to me in the future.”

While fans might not see deWeaver in action during his freshman season, they'll still have the chance to watch him soon. The annual Green and White spring game will be at 3 p.m. April 23, where all the hype surrounding deWeaver could be realized.

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