FLORENCE, Ala. — Valdosta State redshirt junior quarterback Justin Roberts was awarded the Elite 89 Award at a luncheon for both teams participating in Saturday’s Division II National Championship Game Friday afternoon.
Roberts held a 3.94 grade-point average with a business management degree at Valdosta State. He graduated from the university last weekend, but missed his ceremony to play in the Blazers’ national semifinal matchup at Minnesota State-Mankato.
The Elite 89 Award is awarded to the player with the highest grade-point average from a team competing in the national tournament.
Roberts is the second Valdosta State student-athlete to win the award this year. In May, softball pitcher Brianna Hancock was awarded the award during the national championship tournament in Louisville, Ky.
Roberts was one of three players to skip his graduation ceremony last week. All three players, which include defensive end Tyler Josey and running back Theseus Jackson, will be given a special graduation ceremony Monday at 11 a.m. in West Hall.
The Blazers face undefeated Winston-Salem State Saturday at 1 p.m. Eastern at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Ala.
