Fittingly, this countdown began with a Seminole who was a success on both the gridiron and in the classroom, linebacker Daryl Bush. 20 spots later, the only other Seminole to equal Bush’s career academic achievements keeps the countdown going: safety Chris Hope.
Bush and Hope are the only ’Noles ever to have been first-team Academic All-Americans twice, as well as four-time ACC All-Academic team honorees. It’s a remarkable feat that demonstrates consistency and discipline over four-year careers— and those traits were quite evident on the field as well.
Hope hit Tallahassee by way of Rock Hill, South Carolina as a highly touted high school All-American known for his ability to stick.