USF’s Hine named NFF Scholar-Athlete

Posted Oct 26, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Oct 27, 2011 at 03:04 PM

University of South Florida senior offensive lineman Chaz Hine has earned the distinction as the program’s first National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete, earning one of 16 spots in the 53rd NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, it was announced Wednesday.

“I’m joyous, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do and I’m proud for this university, and it’s incredibly humbling at the same time to think that this impressive organization, the National Football Foundation, would think well enough of me and what my accomplishments (are) to recognize me in such a manner,” said Hine, who added he’s been smiling ever since he learned of the honor. “It’s a humbling experience and I’m just so thankful.”

Hine was selected from a pool of 127 football players across all NCAA divisions and NAIA. He will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and also is now a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the top scholar-athlete in the nation.

“You like to see good things happen to good people, and that’s when it’s fun when you do this job,” USF offensive coordinator Todd Fitch said. “It’s tough losing some games like we have, but when things like that happen it kind of makes you think back a little bit too, that there’s other things in this game. Obviously winning is vitally important, but things like that, guys get rewarded, it’s good to see.”

Hine, a local product of Newsome High School, is a former walk-on who not only earned a scholarship but also is now in his third season as a starter on USF’s offensive line and is a team captain this season. But as much success as he’s enjoyed on the field, he’s been just as impressive off it.

Hine already has completed his undergraduate degree in business management, graduating from USF’s Honors College, and is currently working towards his MBA. He carries a 3.86 GPA, is a two-time member of the Big East All-Academic Team, a four-time Dean’s List member and was voted “Most Remarkable” by USF’s College of Business from a pool of 150 applicants.

“Chaz Hine is an incredible young man,” USF head coach Skip Holtz said. “When you look at everything he’s accomplished in the classroom, on the field and just in life, he’s a great example of what a student-athlete should be. He has so many qualities - dedication, leadership, determination - which is why his teammates voted him captain this year. It isn’t hard to see why he’s had so much success at South Florida and will continue to as he moves on.”

The difficulties of balancing a tough academic workload and his responsibilties to his team has presented its share of challenges, but Hine gave credit to a tremendous support system that includes his parents, professors and his faith in helping him achieve success.

“It’s a challenge. I’m sure all these guys, anybody would tell you that,” Hine said. “Just trying to stay focused at a high level for long periods of time is really where it happens. I’ve been fortunate I’ve been able to dig deep at study times when exam comes, big projects. I’ve been able to focus over long periods of time and motivate myself to be able to finish what I need to. I’ve had a great support system my entire life. ... I’ve been blessed.”

Hine will be recognized at the 54th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 6 in New York City, at which time the recipient of the 22nd William V. Campbell Trophy will be announced. He visited New York for the first time over the summer.

“It was an awesome experience,” Hine said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen - well, I haven’t, I’ve never seen that many in such a close environment in my life. It was crazy. But it was a great experience.”