Throughout his San Jose State University career, starting linebacker Tysyn Parker displayed a quiet dedication to the game of football, a focused pursuit of a college degree, and very willing to assist those who could use a helping hand.
For combining all three traits during his four years as a Spartan, Parker, from Serra High in Gardena, Calif., and majoring in justice studies, is one of 45 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players nominated for the 2021 American Football Coaches Association's (AFCA) Good Works Team and this year's Wuerffel Trophy.
Now in its 30th year the AFCA Good Works Team honors 22 players and one head coach annually from the NCAA and NAIA divisions of college football who perform exemplary community service, are successful academically and make an impact on and off the field.
The Wuerffel Trophy, established in 2005 and named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel, recognizes the top FBS player whose positive impact inspires greater service throughout the world.
At San Jose State for the last three years, Parker has mentored fourth and fifth grade students at a nearby elementary school who are lacking a male role model and participated in community outreach events such as Autism Speaks and the Silicon Valley YWCA's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes to raise awareness that any form of violence against women is not acceptable.
Academically, Parker is a justice studies major, a three-time Academic All-Mountain West award winner, and plans to graduate this fall.
As a Spartans' starting inside linebacker, Parker has 38 games of playing experience and 19 starts. He has 140 career tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. He started every game a year ago during San Jose State's drive to the Mountain West football championship and a 24th ranking nationally in the final Associated Press poll.
Semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy will be announced on November 2 and finalists named on November 22. The announcement of the 2021 winner will occur on December 9 during the Home Depot College Football Awards show televised by ESPN. Presentation of the Wuerffel Trophy takes place in February 2022 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Season tickets for the 2021 San Jose State University football six-game home schedule are available by visiting https://am.ticketmaster.com/sjsuathletics/21football or by calling 408-924-7589.