October 19, 2017

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY’S TYREL DODSON DEFENDER OF THE NATION WEEKLY PLAYER PROFILE

 

 

 

Bio: Tyrel Dodson is the son of Angela Sparkman and brother to one sibling, Tynn Sparkman. In high school, he acted as a member of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and “Best Buddies,” a program that fosters friendships between volunteers and those with Downs Syndrome. He is currently a sophomore majoring in business administration. On the field, Dodson has been called a “thumper” at middle linebacker, because of his size and his aggressive defensive style.

Stats: 2016 – Appeared in every game off the bench… recorded 27 tackles including 1.5 for a loss on the season… recovered a fumble in the victory over Arkansas (Sep. 24)… had a career-high five tackles in his first game against UCLA (Sep. 3)… recorded a tackle for loss at Auburn (Sep. 17).
2017 – Took over the team lead in tackles after a career-high 16 tackles vs. ALA…logged his second straight double-digit tackle game with 11 vs. FLA… has been a productive tackler (team-best 46) and also fills the stat sheet with QBS (4.0), TFL (7.5), QBH (3), PBU (4) and INT (2)… ranks as one of the biggest MLBs in school history.

Quote from Texas A&M Head Coach Kevin Sumlin:
“Tyrel Dodson is playing like a middle linebacker in the SEC. He is being physical at the point of attack and the overall play of our defense has improved.”

The recipient of the Defender of the Nation Award will be announced on November 1st from one of the Nation’s (9) military academies and institutions including Air Force Academy, The Citadel, Coast Guard Academy, Naval Academy, Norwich University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, VMI and West Point and is based on exceptional leadership qualities on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The recipient must also exhibit a high standard of integrity by leading through example.

The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Awards Banquet presented by ACN, will be held on Monday, December 4th at the Charlotte Convention Center. In addition to honoring the 2017 Defender of the Nation Award winner, the banquet will celebrate the recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy sponsored by ACN and Legends Award sponsored by Florida East Coast Railway. Notre Dame’s Ross Browner, a member of the FWAA’s 1976 All-America Team and a College Football Hall of Famer will be honored as the Legends Award winner and Georgia Head

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE TOUCHDOWN CLUB AND ITS PRESENTING SPONSORS
The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, N.C., region. Since its inception, the club has grown as well as diversified boasting a Sponsor Team of more than 80 companies. The club’s activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding citizenship, scholarship, sportsmanship, and leadership of area athletes and coaches. Through corporate and individual support, more than $2,000,000 has been raised to benefit the club’s scholarship efforts. For more information, contact John Rocco (704-347-2918or jrocco@touchdownclub.mysites.io). The official website of the Charlotte Touchdown Club is www.touchdownclub.mysites.io.

THE INDEPENDENCE FUND
Moving Our Nation’s Wounded Heroes Towards Greater Independence!
The Independence Fund’s mission is to support the Nation’s injured and wounded Veterans with the tools to achieve their independence and freedoms they have fought so hard to preserve! It is a laser-focused non-profit organization that provides independence to severely wounded Veterans through mobility, wellness, and caregiver support. Those who sacrifice for our country do so willingly with great pride and honor, and it is our privilege to serve them!

2016 DEFENDER OF THE NATION AWARD RECIPIENT: ANDREW KING
Andrew King, Cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point is the recipient of the inaugural Defender of the Nation Award. A two-year starter at linebacker, King has served as Platoon Leader and Honor Officer and majors in Law and Legal Studies. Jeff Monken, United States Military Academy Head Football Coach, commented, “Andrew is one of the finest young men I have been associated with during my coaching career. He has the respect of everyone in the locker room as well as the Corps of Cadets for his character and his commitment to the United States Military Academy’s values of Duty, Honor, Country I am extremely proud of Andrew and what he has been able to accomplish at the Academy and he is truly one of America’s best.”

2017 DEFENDER OF THE NATION PLAYER PROFILES
• September 21: U.S. Naval Academy / D.J. Palmore
• September 28: U.S. Air Force Academy / Grant Ross
• October 6: Norwich University / Austin Roberts
• October 12: Virginia Tech / Andrew Motuapuaka
• October 16: U.S. Coast Guard Academy / Ryan Robertson
• October 19: Texas A&M / Tyrel Dodson