IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior defensive tackle Aaron Graves is one of five finalists for the Pop Warner College Football Award. The announcement was made Tuesday by Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation’s preeminent youth football organization.
Other finalists include Tanner Wall (BYU), Jalon Daniels (Kansas), Josh Kattis (Kentucky) and Adam Randall (Clemson).
The Pop Warner Award was established in 2010 and honors a player who has made a positive impact on the field, in the classroom, and in the community, and who serves as a role model to Pop Warner’s young student-athletes.
Graves has been a dominant defensive force and exceptional scholar-athlete, recording 34 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and an interception through 11 games. The team captain graduated with highest distinction in 2024 after completing his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in just two years with a 4.03 GPA, and is on track to complete his master’s degree in sport and recreation management in December.
Graves is a two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree, a 2024 second-team Academic All-American and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. He has helped Iowa advance to three bowl games, including the 2022 Music City Bowl victory, and a Big Ten Championship Game appearance in 2023. His volunteer work includes service with Filter of Hope, Safe Haven Animal Shelter, Athletes in Action, Day of Caring and CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Bank.
“We all love watching these young men compete on Saturdays, but what makes them truly special is who they are when the cameras are off,” said Steve Strawbridge, Pop Warner Little Scholars CEO. “Each of these finalists embodies the qualities we hope to inspire in every Pop Warner athlete: commitment to academics, servant leadership, and the drive to make a positive impact in their communities. They represent the very best of college football, not just because of what they accomplish when the stadium lights are on, but because of the integrity, character and compassion they demonstrate away from it.”
The Pop Warner Little Scholars National College Football Award will be announced Dec. 10.
