Dayton senior, a Fairborn grad, nominated for Campbell Trophy

Brandon Easterling, a Fairborn High School graduate who’s a senior safety at the University of Dayton, is one of 199 semifinalists for the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame’s William V. Campbell Trophy.

According to a press release, “The Campbell Trophy recognizes a student-athlete who best exemplifies academic success alongside football performance and community leadership. The award recognizes this individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation.”

Dayton is one of two D-I teams to have a semifinalist for 15 straight years.

Easterling led Football Championship Subdivision football in solo tackles last season (7.5 per game) and ranked second in total tackles (12.7). He’s one of 45 nominees from the FCS level and one of five from the Pioneer League.

Ohio State punter Drue Chrisman is also a nominee.