Adam Shaffer Interview •
Norman Joseph Introduction
JACKSON, MS - Mississippi State University record-setting tailback Anthony Dixon took home the Cellular South Conerly Trophy Monday night, but quarterback Adam Shaffer became the first Mississippi College player in history to be named one of the three finalists for the award.
A total of ten nominees, one from each of the state's four-year universities, were in attendance at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum last night in front of a packed house waiting to see who would take home the prestigious honor. Three finalists from that original group were selected with Dixon, Shaffer and Ole Miss running back Dexter McCluster making the final cut before the winner was selected.
Dixon took home the honor after leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing this season with 1,391 yards, ranking 8th in the nation. McCluster was named a finalist after leading Ole Miss to an 8-4 record this year with over 1,000 yards rushing. The voting is handled by media representatives from all over the state of Mississippi.
Shaffer led the Choctaws to their first American Southwest Conference championship since 1997, and MC's first appearance in the NCAA playoffs in 18 years. The Choctaws finished the year with a record of 9-3 as Shaffer rewrote the Mississippi College record books. The former Jackson Academy standout set new school records for career passing yards and career touchdowns while also setting a new single season record this year with 33 touchdown passes.
Shaffer earned the ASC Offensive Player of the Year award earlier this year and is one of ten finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy given each year to the most outstanding Division III football player in the country.