COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Senior safety Dante Trader Jr. has been named a semifinalist for the eighth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, it was announced today, Oct. 22. The semifinalists are made up of 20 of the nation's top leaders in college football. Trader is one of three selections from the Big Ten.

A Phil Steele preseason All-Big Ten selection, Trader has been among the Terps' leading tacklers each of the last three seasons, while also earning All-American honors on Maryland's lacrosse team in 2023. A 2023 CSC Academic All-District member, Trader helped organize and lead the One Speed Backpack Drive last year, raising over $10,000 for it and supplying over 200 fully-loaded backpacks. He also co-hosts a podcast discussing topics outside of football like mental health and the challenges that come with being a student-athlete.

This season, despite missing the past two games due to injury, Trader is tied for fifth on the team in tackles with 23 to go along with an interception and two pass breakups. The Delmar, DE native was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 16 after he led the Maryland defense with a career-high tying 11 tackles, an interception and a pass break-up in Maryland's 27-13 win at Virginia. The interception was the fifth of Trader's career. Led by Trader, the Maryland defense came up huge in the second half of the game against the Cavaliers. The Terps held Virginia scoreless and only gave up 82 total yards in the second half.

Compiled by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee, the semifinalists have all demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 12, 2025. The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund.