FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – July 11, 2023  – Minnesota Football Honors and the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation are thrilled to announce this year’s Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year Award winners: 

Division I Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Running Back Mohamed Ibrahim - University of Minnesota

Division II Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Quarterback Brandon Alt - Bemidji State 

Division III Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Defensive Lineman Michael Wozniak - Saint John’s

The Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year Award honors the most impactful Minnesota college football player at the Division I, II and III levels. A winner from each Division was selected by a voting committee comprised of Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation board members.

“All three of these players made an outstanding impact during the 2022 college football season. They produced at the highest level and represented our state on the big stage,” said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. “We are so thrilled to honor their outstanding achievements during this summer’s Minnesota Football Honors television broadcast.”

The following parameters are considered while selecting players for the ballot: First, Second, or Third Team All-American honors, Player of the Year awards and Heisman, Harlon Hill, or John Gagliardi Trophy winners. Qualified nominations are considered as well. 

Here are snapshot biographies for each award winner: 

Division I Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Running Back Mohamed Ibrahim - University of Minnesota

Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim continued breaking records during his final season in maroon and gold. Last year, while returning from a season-ending injury he suffered in 2021, Ibrahim set the Gophers’ single-season records in attempts (320), rushing yards (1,665), touchdowns (20) and points (120). Minnesota’s star running back also rushed for more than 100 yards in 19 consecutive games (1/1/20 - 11/19/22), which is the longest streak in the FBS since at least 2000. 

In addition, Ibrahim became the first player in Minnesota football history with five career 200-yard rushing games. Mohamed’s outstanding 2022 campaign earned him second-team All-American honors from the AFCA, AP, FWAA and Walter Camp. Ibrahim was also named an All-Big Ten First Team selection (coaches and media) and participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl. The Gophers’ star, who won the Division I Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year Award following the 2020 season, is now a two-time award winner. After wrapping up his record-setting college career, Ibrahim signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. 

Division II Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Quarterback Brandon Alt - Bemidji State 

Quarterback Brandon Alt continued making his mark during the 2022 season. Alt, a star quarterback for Bemidji State, led the NSIC and ranked third and fourth, respectively, in passing yards (3,864) and passing touchdowns (38). He threw for more than 350 yards in four games and exceeded 250 yards in 11 games last season. Alt also finished eighth in Division II in points responsible for (230) and sixth in passing yards per game (297.2). Overall, the Bemidji State quarterback led the NSIC and ranked No. 12 among Division II quarterbacks in passing efficiency. 

Alt was named a finalist (finished eighth) for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which honors the most valuable player in NCAA Division II football. He also earned D2football.com Elite 100 Squad, Don Hansen All-American Honorable Mention, D2CCA All-Super Region 4 Second Team, NSIC Offensive Player of the Year and All-NSIC North Division First Team honors following the 2022 season. Alt is now a two-time award winner after previously earning the Division II Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year Award last year. 

Division III Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Defensive Lineman Michael Wozniak - Saint John’s

Saint John’s defensive lineman Michael Wozniak became a force for the Johnnies. Wozniak started all 12 games at defensive end in 2022, finishing with 43 tackles (18 solo and 13.5 for a loss), nine sacks, nine quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick. As a result of his strong play, the Saint John’s pass rusher earned AFCA All-American Second Team, D3Football.com Third Team All-American and 2022 MIAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Wozniak was also named a finalist for the 2022 Cliff Harris Award, which is presented to the nation's top small-college defensive player. On top of those honors, Wozniak earned recognition as a 2022 Gagliardi Trophy semifinalist. 

Off the field, Wozniak shined in the classroom and community. The Saint John’s defensive lineman was named a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is presented to the college football player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance. Additionally, Wozniak was selected as a member of the 2022 National Football Foundation (NFF) Scholar-Athlete Class and the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. 

Minnesota Football Honors is hosting a show later this summer to honor its high school, college and Minnesota Vikings award winners. Full television broadcast details will be announced at a later date on www.minnesotafootballhonors.com.

To view a statewide map of past and present Minnesota Football Honors Award Winners, visit this site.

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About the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation:

The Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote amateur football’s ability to develop leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and academic excellence in Minnesota’s young people. The Minnesota Chapter recognizes legendary football icons, college football Hall of Famers and Minnesota’s top high school and college football scholar athletes. For more information, visit www.nffmn.org, or Facebook (@MNFootballHonors) and Twitter (@NFFMN).

Contact:

Todd Fultz, President - Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation

Phone: (612)-325-5500

Media Contact:

Daniel House, Director of Media Relations and Content

Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation

Email: daniel@nffmn.org