By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – For the Normand family, not only is Tennessee Tech football a family tradition, but so is academic excellence.
Elliott Normand was one of seven collegiate players recognized by the Middle Tennessee chapter of the National Football Foundation on Tuesday night with the organization's Collegiate Scholar-Athlete Award during their 52nd annual awards banquet at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. He was presented the award by new Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel (left) and former NFL and Middle Tennessee quarterback Kelly Holcomb (right).
He's not the only Normand to win the award as his older brother, James, received the award in 2014.
The younger Normand, with a degree already in hand from Tech, is currently working on a master's degree in mechanical engineering. He finished his undergraduate degree with a 3.34 GPA. He was named an Academic All-District selection by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
"Elliott Normand is the epitome of a student-athlete," said Tech head coach Dewayne Alexander. "On the field, he is a leader who makes everyone around him better. Off the field, he focuses in the classroom and makes a daily habit to serve others. He is a tremendous ambassador for Tennessee Tech football."
Normand, an Oak Ridge native, was a four-year letterwinner for the Golden Eagles, serving as a team captain in his senior campaign. As a linebacker for Tech, his efforts led to a HERO Sports FCS Defensive Hero of the Week nod. He ended the 2017 campaign with 88 total tackles – 33 solo and 55 assisted with eight for-loss for 28 yards. He also recorded a sack for seven yards, forced a fumble, broke up a pass and had an interception.
Off the field, Normand is involved with the American Society for Mechanical Engineers and serves as a tutor for both Tech Athletics and the TTU Engineering Success Center.
Normand was one of seven university scholar-athletes recognized, along with student-athletes from Austin Peay, Cumberland, Middle Tennessee, Tennessee State, University of the South and Vanderbilt.
The organization also recognized 62 high school scholar-athletes as well as 10 other major awards, ranging from courage to inspiration to lifetime achievement and dedication to the sport.
Tech director of athletics Mark Wilson was also recognized by the chapter for his efforts with Tennessee Tech and the dedication and effort into hosting the TSSAA's BlueCross Bowl state high school football championships.
Also recognized during the evening was Tech signee Brian Thompson from East Nashville Magnet as a Charles W. Hawkins III Scholar-Athlete award winner, as well as Glencliff's James Murphy, who intends on attending Tech in the fall, as a Hawkins Scholar-Athlete winner and the recipient of the Jim Barrom Spirit Award.
Photos by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
