When he was young, Sacramento State senior offensive lineman Clint Lessard, senior finance major, was considered “mama’s little helper” for his hard work and dedication to helping his mother with his younger siblings. His work ethic paid off when he was nominated for the William V. Campbell Trophy this year by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

The prestigious award is geared toward student-athletes in collegiate football programs that exemplify positive action within their community, are talented athletes and perform well in school.

As a semifinalist for the award, Clint Lessard exceeds the grade point average requirement with 3.7, and has started for the Hornets for two consecutive years. Clint Lessard was also a Big Sky Conference all-academic selection last season.

Clint Lessard is one of 37 student-athletes from Division I-A football programs nominated for this award. Each school is only allowed to nominate one student-athlete who is a senior, has at least a 3.2 grade point average, starts or plays a substantial amount of time, has outstanding leadership skills and is an involved citizen in the community.

Clint Lessard participates in volunteer work feeding the homeless, visiting Shriners Hospital for Children and taking part in the Race for the Cure for breast cancer awareness.

Clint Lessard explained the sacrifices he makes everyday to meet his personal standards on and off the field.

“It’s extremely tough to manage my time. I’ve had a lot of late nights and early mornings for just school alone, and then I still give all I have on the field.” Clint Lessard said. “I have 15 units and I’m a full-time athlete. Basically any free time I can find must be used productively.”

Clint Lessard’s mother, Sandra Lessard, remembers her son was a hard worker at a very young age. This nomination has made her ecstatic. She is thrilled that her son’s hard work has paid off.

“We are just really excited for him. I’m beaming with pride. Clint is the oldest of four children and he has always been ‘Mama’s Little Helper’ ever since he was a little boy,” Sandra Lessard said. “He would help me out a lot, but what I remember most was him always taking his education seriously – his books were always open.”

Sandra Lessard said her son was involved in sports and academics as early as first grade.

“On every report card he basically received straight As. At every parent-teacher conference his teachers would express how much they wished all their students were like Clint. As he grew up, though, I realized he was an amazing athlete as well,” Sandra Lessard said. “I’m just an extremely proud mother. He’s my pride and joy; he’s my rock.”

All NFF national scholar-athlete awards, including the William V. Campbell Trophy, are open to football players of any division. The NFF strongly encourages all colleges and universities to get involved and make nominations in hopes to acknowledge all outstanding student-athletes that go above and beyond what is being asked of them.

NFF President and CEO Steven J. Hatchell expressed his pride and excitement for this year’s semifinalists.

“This year’s semifinalists are the greatest illustration of how we hope to build leaders through football, and it is our responsibility to honor them for their commitment to excellence in academics, athletics and the community,” Hatchell said.

Hatchell believes that this award means more that just a trophy, but also plays a role into the future of the student-athletes who win the scholarship.

“The William V. Campbell Trophy is one of college football’s most sought after and competitive awards, and past winners have used our scholarship as the catalyst for their future careers.” Hatchell said. “We’re incredibly proud to select the next recipient from among this remarkable group of semifinalists.”

This nomination means more than just a bronze trophy to Clint Lessard.

“This nomination is such an honor. I’m very excited to have even been recognized, let alone have qualified as a semifinalist. What stands out to me the most is possible grad school for the top 15 chosen – that would be amazing,” he said.

Sac State head coach Marshall Sperbeck said that Clint Lessard should be honored to be nominated for the award based on the other student-athletes also nominated for the award.

“This is truly a great accomplishment for Clint. He is such a hard worker on and off the field by maintaining focus.” Sperbeck said. “Now, there are a lot of high-ranking, deserving players up for the award as well, but it’s an honor for Clint to be recognized.”

But, it is not always easy. Clint Lessard admits that as a senior, school is particularly demanding.

“To be completely honest, school right now is getting to be pretty tough. I find that my work load has definitely gotten worse.” Clint Lessard said. “But as for football, it’s what I know – so for me at this point it’s the same old stuff. So basically, being a senior academically is way different than being a senior in football.”

Sac State offensive line coach Jeff Remington said that he admires Clint Lessard for taking on such a difficult schedule. Remington praised him for his commitment to football and school.

“Clint has been a two-year starter for us after transferring from a JC, and he has been a big time contributor. Clint makes a conscious effort to do well,” Remington said. “(But) what’s special about him is that he doesn’t allow one to affect the other.”

Britney Rossman can be reached at [email protected]