Dec. 4, 2007

Wake Forest senior defensive end Jeremy Thompson is one of 10 finalists for the National Sportsmanship Award given by the Awards and Recognition Association. Former Brigham Young University head football coach LaVell Edwards chairs the committee that selects college athletes who exemplify sportsmanship.

Last year's recipient was Brian Leonard, a Rutgers fullback who went on to play for the St. Louis Rams.

The 2007 Sportsmanship Award recipient will be announced later in December.

Thompson, a health and exercise sciences major and local elementary school tutor, traveled to Liberia to build a school, chapel and orphanage for children during the off season.

A starter at defensive end, Thompson leads the Wake Forest defense with 6.5 sacks. He has started all 12 games and is seventh on the team with 42 tackles.