NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State offensive lineman Chris Zirkle's reputation off the field has been every bit the equal of his on-field self.
 
Zirkle's non-football accomplishments continue to earn him plaudits as he was named a finalist for the Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award presented by STATS FCS.
 
The Doris Robinson Award, named for the late wife of legendary Grambling football coach Eddie Robinson, honors an FCS student-athlete who excels in the classroom, the community and beyond. Zirkle is one of 13 FCS players nationally nominated for the award. STATS FCS takes one player from each of the 13 football-playing FCS conferences and will announce the winner Dec. 16 and will honor him at its national awards banquet Jan. 10.
 
Zirkle, a League City, Texas, product, was a second-team All-Southland Conference selection after starting all 12 games in his senior season. He finished his career with 39 career starts, including all 16 games after returning from shoulder surgery in Week 8 of the 2018 season.
 
This past month, Zirkle earned his second CoSIDA Academic All-District selection, joining teammate Ryan Reed on the District 6 team. Zirkle earned his undergraduate degree in business administration in December 2018, graduating with a 3.83 grade point average. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a master's degree in homeland security.
 
The Robinson Award, in its fifth season, is the third non-football award Zirkle has been nominated for in his senior season, joining the AFCA Allstate Good Works Team and the William V. Campbell Trophy. Zirkle was named a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy in September.