Fresno State Athletics
Growing in multiple fields
10/6/2016 6:50:00 PM | Football
A master's student who finished his undergraduate degree with a 4.0 GPA, senior offensive lineman Jacob Vazquez has epitomized what it means to be a "student-athlete" throughout his time at Fresno State.
FRESNO, Calif. - A lot of college football players are known for what they do on the field but Fresno State senior offensive lineman Jacob Vazquez has made it a point to be known for what he does off the field as well.
Vazquez has received and been nominated for countless academic and community service centric awards throughout his time at Fresno State, while earning his bachelor's degree a year early.
The senior who is in graduate school has been named as a nominee for the 25th anniversary Allstate, American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes 24 student-athletes and an honorary head coach out of 165 nominees for their dedication to the community and enriching the lives of others while maintaining a strong academic standing.
Vazquez has also recently been named as a nominee for the National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete, commonly referred to as the "Academic Heisman".
The NFF National Scholar-Athlete is awarded to a collegiate football player that has maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.2, has been a significant contributor on the field and has demonstrated strong leadership.
"It was unexpected and humbling to be nominated," Vazquez said. "I'm so honored."
Vazquez graduated last May, earning his bachelors of science degree in agriculture business. Not only did he graduate early, but he also graduated with a 4.0. Now the offensive lineman is working toward a master's degree in education-curriculum and instruction during his senior season for the Bulldogs.
The Cottonwood, Calif., native was named to the Fall All-Academic Mountain West team for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. Last season, he was selected to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team.
"Being the most talented player on the field is something out of my control, but being the best in the classroom is something I can control." Vazquez said." "I take a lot of pride in my academics."
Vazquez was one of seven student-athletes to receive the 1A FAR Excellence Award. To be eligible to receive this award you must have received a bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.80 or higher, while participating in at least two years of intercollegiate athletics.
Head coach Tim DeRuyter believes that student-athletes like Vazquez are changing the preconceived notions about college sports.
"Unfortunately in college football when anything bad happens it becomes front page news," DeRuyter said. "When athletes like Jacob are making these accomplishments it's not always highlighted. I am glad he is getting recognized because he is a tremendous representation of our program."
Vazquez states that his father, a high school teacher of 12 years, has inspired his thirst for knowledge and drive for academic excellence. He sparked his son's interest in agriculture as well as pursuing a career in education.
"The agriculture industry is very sustainable and I would love to play a role in the industry going forward whether it is in business or teaching," Vazquez said.
Vazquez takes pride in everything he chooses to pursue and hopes to instill passion in future generations when he starts his career in education.
"I've seen the impact that my dad has had on the lives of others," Vazquez said. "I'd love to get in a classroom whether it's in a high school or at the collegiate level and continue to impact lives."
Vazquez has been active in the agricultural field since he was in high school.
"My dad spent a lot of time in the horticulture industry before he became a teacher, which led me to become involved in Future Farmers of America during high school," Vazquez said.
During his time in FFA he was elected as a state officer and was able to explore all realms of the agriculture industry. Vazquez's younger brothers are now members of FFA and he enjoys helping them succeed in the organization.
"Being an offensive lineman and working in the agriculture industry have a lot of similarities. They are both background roles," Vazquez said. "A lot of people don't see the farmers that produce the food, they just see the food at the grocery store. When you're an offensive lineman your name isn't called for the touchdown or for the big plays, but you're still an important member of the team."
Vazquez has also spent a lot of time volunteering in the Valley throughout his time at Fresno State.
"It is very important for me to give back to the community that supports us while we are on the field," Vazquez said.
Vazquez has served as a Wells Church Student Ministries Leader, taken part with the Read Across America campaign and spent time volunteering with Valley Children's Hospital.
"We get tremendous support from the community," DeRuyter said. "We always challenge our athletes to be out in the community. Jacob is an example for all of our players."
Vazquez is also a nominee for the Wuerffel Trophy, college football's premiere community service award that recognizes athletes not for being the best player on the field, but being the best person they can be off the field.
Vazquez stated he looked up to fellow offensive lineman and recent graduate Justin Northern for his academic success and dedication to serving the community. Northern was also an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee and finished his senior campaign with CoSIDA Academic All-America honors and a selection to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society.
Vazquez's hard work and dedication to his academics and his community is single handedly changing the stereotype of college football players and leaving behind a lasting legacy of excellence on and off the field.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – Season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets for the 2016 Fresno State football season are now on sale at GoBulldogs.com or by calling 559-278-3647. 940 AM ESPN Radio and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes is the official home of the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateFB
Instagram: Fresno_State_Football
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat: FSAthletics
Vazquez has received and been nominated for countless academic and community service centric awards throughout his time at Fresno State, while earning his bachelor's degree a year early.
The senior who is in graduate school has been named as a nominee for the 25th anniversary Allstate, American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes 24 student-athletes and an honorary head coach out of 165 nominees for their dedication to the community and enriching the lives of others while maintaining a strong academic standing.
Vazquez has also recently been named as a nominee for the National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete, commonly referred to as the "Academic Heisman".
The NFF National Scholar-Athlete is awarded to a collegiate football player that has maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.2, has been a significant contributor on the field and has demonstrated strong leadership.
"It was unexpected and humbling to be nominated," Vazquez said. "I'm so honored."
Vazquez graduated last May, earning his bachelors of science degree in agriculture business. Not only did he graduate early, but he also graduated with a 4.0. Now the offensive lineman is working toward a master's degree in education-curriculum and instruction during his senior season for the Bulldogs.
The Cottonwood, Calif., native was named to the Fall All-Academic Mountain West team for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. Last season, he was selected to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team.
"Being the most talented player on the field is something out of my control, but being the best in the classroom is something I can control." Vazquez said." "I take a lot of pride in my academics."
Vazquez was one of seven student-athletes to receive the 1A FAR Excellence Award. To be eligible to receive this award you must have received a bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.80 or higher, while participating in at least two years of intercollegiate athletics.
Head coach Tim DeRuyter believes that student-athletes like Vazquez are changing the preconceived notions about college sports.
"Unfortunately in college football when anything bad happens it becomes front page news," DeRuyter said. "When athletes like Jacob are making these accomplishments it's not always highlighted. I am glad he is getting recognized because he is a tremendous representation of our program."
Vazquez states that his father, a high school teacher of 12 years, has inspired his thirst for knowledge and drive for academic excellence. He sparked his son's interest in agriculture as well as pursuing a career in education.
"The agriculture industry is very sustainable and I would love to play a role in the industry going forward whether it is in business or teaching," Vazquez said.
Vazquez takes pride in everything he chooses to pursue and hopes to instill passion in future generations when he starts his career in education.
"I've seen the impact that my dad has had on the lives of others," Vazquez said. "I'd love to get in a classroom whether it's in a high school or at the collegiate level and continue to impact lives."
Vazquez has been active in the agricultural field since he was in high school.
"My dad spent a lot of time in the horticulture industry before he became a teacher, which led me to become involved in Future Farmers of America during high school," Vazquez said.
During his time in FFA he was elected as a state officer and was able to explore all realms of the agriculture industry. Vazquez's younger brothers are now members of FFA and he enjoys helping them succeed in the organization.
"Being an offensive lineman and working in the agriculture industry have a lot of similarities. They are both background roles," Vazquez said. "A lot of people don't see the farmers that produce the food, they just see the food at the grocery store. When you're an offensive lineman your name isn't called for the touchdown or for the big plays, but you're still an important member of the team."
Vazquez has also spent a lot of time volunteering in the Valley throughout his time at Fresno State.
"It is very important for me to give back to the community that supports us while we are on the field," Vazquez said.
Vazquez has served as a Wells Church Student Ministries Leader, taken part with the Read Across America campaign and spent time volunteering with Valley Children's Hospital.
"We get tremendous support from the community," DeRuyter said. "We always challenge our athletes to be out in the community. Jacob is an example for all of our players."
Vazquez is also a nominee for the Wuerffel Trophy, college football's premiere community service award that recognizes athletes not for being the best player on the field, but being the best person they can be off the field.
Vazquez stated he looked up to fellow offensive lineman and recent graduate Justin Northern for his academic success and dedication to serving the community. Northern was also an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee and finished his senior campaign with CoSIDA Academic All-America honors and a selection to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society.
Vazquez's hard work and dedication to his academics and his community is single handedly changing the stereotype of college football players and leaving behind a lasting legacy of excellence on and off the field.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – Season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets for the 2016 Fresno State football season are now on sale at GoBulldogs.com or by calling 559-278-3647. 940 AM ESPN Radio and 1600 AM ESPN Deportes is the official home of the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateFB
Instagram: Fresno_State_Football
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat: FSAthletics
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