VIDEO: William Alderman Interview

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman defensive end William Alderman has been chosen as the South Atlantic Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, the league office announced Wednesday morning. 

Alderman becomes Carson-Newman third ever SAC Scholar Athlete honoree, joining Charlie Walker (2000) and Joey King (2004).

"William is guy who's very deserving with his leadership roles on campus," Carson-Newman head coach Sparks said. "He makes sure everything is organized and ready to go there. He never cut corners on the football field for his time and effort, and he certainly never cut corners in the classroom.  It's a very deserving award for a very deserving person."

Alderman was a NFF William Campbell Trophy Semifinalist, AFCA Good Works Team nominee and two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection.  He produced two eight-tackle games this season.  He returned a fumble 78 yards for a score against Lenoir-Rhyne.

Alderman had 47 tackles, five tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.  The five tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks are both the second highest tallies on the team.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again, it's really nice to get recognized for stuff that might fly below the radar (work in the classroom and in churches)," Alderman said. "That's beneficial and I love it because that stuff I do is truly God-honoring."

He is a three-time Dean's list representative and a two-time Eagle Scholar. 

Off the field, Alderman is Carson-Newman's president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

"Keeping God and people first make it easy," Alderman said. "I realize that I am third. I have to have my schooling right to be able to do what I do on the field and to do what I want to do when I graduate.  By keeping those things in line, everything else just fell into place."

Alderman frequently teaches Sunday school and speaks at area churches. In his sophomore year, he was FCA's emcee and spokesperson.  He's worked yearly with the football team as a part of the campus' annual summer clean up and is a peer mentor to a pair of high school children.

He also has spent time as a member of the Organizational Congress, which helps define all the campus ministries at Carson-Newman.