USC’s Michael Pittman Jr. Wins 2019 Pop Warner National College Football Award

ORLANDO, FL – Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation's oldest and most prominent youth football organization, today announced that it has selected USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to receive its 2019 Pop Warner National College Football Award. The Trojans' captain will pick up the award during the 63rd Annual Pop Warner Super Bowl at Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL on December 10.

Established in 2010, the award recognizes a graduating senior or graduate student who has excelled on the football field, in the classroom and in the community.

Pittman is one of the nation's top pass catchers and a driving force for the Trojans offense. Recently named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, he is second in the nation in catches and eighth in touchdown receptions. During his college career he's had 165 receptions for 2,446 yards and 19 receiving touchdowns. Pitman is also a sociology major and is scheduled to graduate this May.

He's been equally committed off the field. Pittman recognizes the importance of his platform and wants to utilize it to be an inspiration to others. He's one of USC's most active student-athletes across all 21 sports at the university and has been involved in a wide variety of community service projects, both through USC's Trojan Outreach program and on his own.

Thank you Twitter, you did your thing! We got Caleb fitted with a 6 jersey signed by the team. Fight on! https://t.co/ykApDnuZ3R pic.twitter.com/v2NAftqnP0
— MPJ (@MikePitt_Jr) November 5, 2019

Pittman has volunteered with Project Hope, a program that provides young people in and around LA with a safe and supportive learning environment where they can achieve their highest potential; he sponsors a child through Compassion International, a humanitarian aid child sponsorship organization; and he speaks at local elementary schools about the importance of getting a college education. Additionally, Pittman and other members of the USC football team helped remodel an apartment at the Jenesse Center, a local domestic violence prevention and intervention center, and volunteered in USC's "A Day in Troy" event where local fans have the opportunity to spend an afternoon with USC student-athletes.

"I am extremely humbled and honored to win this award -- especially as a Pop Warner alumnus," said Pittman. "My community service work started in junior high when I would help out in my stepfather's special education classroom, and I've continued to make it a priority in my life. I like to lead by example and I'm always trying to do the right thing in order to be a good role model for the next generation of young athletes."

"Michael embodies everything we look for in a role model for our current Pop Warner student athletes. Not only does he excel on the field and in the classroom, but he is passionate about supporting others through community service," said Jon Butler, executive director of Pop Warner Little Scholars. "Michael is someone who has the power to motivate and inspire the next generation and we hope to see our young athletes pay that forward when they get to college."

"Michael is very deserving of this honor," said USC head coach Clay Helton. "As a senior and captain of our football team, he does everything right, both on and off the field. Michael's heart of service is recognized throughout our program as he makes enormous contributions to the community and those less fortunate than himself. He's a great role model."

Last year's winner was former Kentucky tight end C.J. Conrad. The other 2019 finalists were:

Wake Forest running back Cade Carney
Penn State punter Blake Gillikin
University of Nebraska linebacker Mohamed Barry
University of Kansas safety Bryce Torneden
Auburn University defensive tackle Derrick Brown

Players Mentioned

Michael Pittman Jr.