NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Tech defensive back Taylor Hennigan, a senior from Cookeville, was one of seven collegiate players honored Monday night at the 47th annual awards dinner held by the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Hennigan was Tech's 2012 winner of the University Scholar-Athlete award, presented annually by the NFF. The son of Mike and Leslie Hennigan, Taylor owns a 3.5 GPA in Exercise Science, Physical Education and Wellness - Teacher Licensure. A four-year letterman, Hennigan wrapped up his career on the field and has also been active representing Tech off the field in a variety of roles. 

In addition to volunteering with the Better Business Bureau and Habitat for Humanity, he is a member of the EXPW Major Club. He has been a regular on both the OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll and the Tech Athletic Director's Honor Roll.

On the field, he played free safety, strong safety, wide receiver and long snapper during his four seasons, and won the Tech Pride Award.

"Taylor is an outstanding young man," said TTU head coach Watson Brown. "The award voted on by our players exemplifies this young man. The award is given to that player that represents Tennessee Tech both on and off the field at one time. It has been an honor to coach him."

In addition to the seven college players at the dinner, the NFF also recognized 55 high school student-athletes and presented several annual awards to a packed gathering at the Nashville Music City Sheraton.

In photo above, Taylor Hennigan accepts the University Scholar-Athlete award from NFF Board member Dewayne Alexander.