This TCU player is semifinalist for Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award

TCU defender Ty Summers is a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year it was announced Thursday.

Summers has been one of the most productive linebackers in the Gary Patterson era, and has been a model citizen off the field.

Summers is one of 20 semifinalists for the award that had its inaugural winner honored last year -- former UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin.

It’s based off the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Witten, the longtime Cowboys great, is the namesake for the award.

In a news release announcing the semifinalists, the organization mentioned Summers being named TCU’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bob Lilly Male Athlete of the Year for 2017-18 and being actively involved with S.P.A.R.K., a community outreach program organized by TCU football student athletes.

Summers is also a frequent speaker at area schools.

On the field, Summers -- who played quarterback in high school -- has 314 career tackles, ranking third among players in the Patterson era. He has missed the past two games after sustaining an undisclosed injury in the Kansas game, and his status is uncertain for Saturday’s game at Baylor.

Other notable Witten Award semifinalists from the Big 12 include Texas senior tight end Andrew Beck; Kansas linebacker Joe Dineen, Jr.; and Kansas State offensive lineman Dalton Risner.

This story was originally published November 15, 2018 at 1:01 PM.