NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Duquesne junior running back
Shawn Solomon, Jr. has been named the NEC's nominee and one of 13 national finalists for the 2025 Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award. The honor, first presented in 2015 and now in its 11th year, recognizes FCS student-athletes who excel on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.
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Solomon, the 2024 NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year, has surpassed his debut-season numbers with 354 rushing yards on 64 carries and one touchdown, helping power the NEC's top-ranked rushing attack heading into next week's regular-season finale.
In the classroom, Solomon has earned NEC Academic Honor Roll recognition in each of his two seasons on the Bluff. He carries a 3.50 GPA as an education major and is completing field placements at Falk Laboratory School and the Campus Laboratory School at Carlow University.
A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Brashear High School, Solomon returns to his alma mater each year to mentor students in the teaching-magnet program, lead lesson-planning workshops, and host campus tours at Duquesne. He is also an active alum of the AD99 Foundation, founded by NFL star Aaron Donald, supporting underserved youth through programs in education, arts, and athletics.
Beyond the classroom and foundation work, Solomon coaches youth flag football at Schenley Park, where many of his students participate, and previously served in a social-justice field placement centered on empathy-driven programming for children.
The winner of the Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award will be announced Dec. 9 and honored at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on Jan. 3 in Nashville. Also to be presented are the Walter Payton Award (FCS Offensive Player of the Year), Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS Freshman of the Year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS Coach of the Year), and HBCU National Player of the Year.
Duquesne also has junior defensive lineman
Jack Dunkley up for the Buck Buchanan Award. A preseason watch-list selection, Dunkley leads the Dukes this season with 3.0 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.
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