Senior kick-off specialist Drew Combs was honored with the 2008 College Football Rudy Award at the American Football Coaches Association Convention on Monday at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

Combs was awarded a trophy and a $5,000 scholarship by Rudy Ruettiger, whom the award is named for. Ruettiger is famous for being the subject in the movie “Rudy,” a movie about his trials being a student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame.

The Rudy Award is presented annually to the player who demonstrates character, courage, contribution and commitment to their team, according to a university press release.

Combs beat out University of Pittsburgh defensive back Dan Cafaro and University of Oklahoma linebacker/safety Nic Harris.

Combs, who was born with a left arm that ends just below the elbow, recorded a career-best eight touchbacks this season and finished his career with three tackles.