DALLAS-Tuesday, BYU junior offensive lineman James Empey was named one of 20 semifinalists for the 2021 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year.

This award focuses on leadership, integrity, exceptional courage and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Empey is the only representative from a Utah-based school to make the semifinals.

Empey is a team captain for the 8-2 Cougars and has started all 41 games he has played in for BYU in his career.

Empey has been active in service in the community, serving others in Utah, California and New York.

Other semifinalists include:

Arkansas senior linebacker Grant Morgan

Ball State senior linebacker Brandon Martin

California senior safety Elijah Hicks

Cincinnati senior quarterback Desmond Ridder

Clemson senior tailback Darien Rencher

Duke senior receiver Jake Bobo

Illinois senior offensive lineman Vederian Lowe

Kansas State senior quarterback Skylar Thompson

Kentucky senior defensive end Joshua Paschal

Minnesota senior quarterback Tanner Morgan

Mississippi State senior receiver Austin Williams

Nebraska senior quarterback Adrian Martinez

Oklahoma senior safety Patrick Fields

Penn State senior quarterback Sean Clifford

USC senior defensive lineman Nick Figueroa

Syracuse senior defensive end Kingsley Jonathan

Texas Tech junior defensive lineman Tony Bradford Jr.

Toledo senior center Bryce Harris

Virginia Tech junior center Brock Hoffman