From an accomplished list of 10 weekly nominees over a six-week period this high school football season, finalists for the fourth annual USA Football Heart of a Giant award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, have been selected.

Tri-State-area coaches from the 550 New York, New Jersey and Connecticut high schools within 75 miles of East Rutherford, New Jersey, nominated players who best represent the five Heart of a Giant characteristics:

Commitment: Unshakable work ethic in training and preparation

Teamwork: Inspires and aligns others to work together to achieve a common goal

Will: Demonstrates the desire to succeed on the field and in the classroom

Character: Leads by example and motivates teammates to be the best they can be

Dedication: Overcomes adversity and perseveres

All-Pro Jason Pierre-Paul is this year’s Heart of a Giant ambassador. Many assumed his career was over a devastating hand injury in a fireworks accident, but with the help of Dr. Scott Rodeo, Dr. Robert Hotchkiss and HSS staff, he continues to excel.

“It’s all about willpower. If your heart is in it, you can achieve anything,” Pierre-Paul said.

Here are this year's finalists, who each earned a $1,500 equipment grant for their high school football programs. The grand prize winner will receive an additional $3,500 equipment grant and be honored on the field when the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 17.

Joe Bumpus, Bloomfield High School (New Jersey) 


- The Bengals’ leading tackler this season, “Bump” holds a 4.64 GPA and participates in numerous community service projects, including home construction on a South Dakota Indian reservation and in North Carolina after Hurricane Matthew. A jack of all trades, he’s also a four-year member of the school’s band as a saxophone player. 


Daryn Blackwell, Toms River High School North (New Jersey)

- Toms River North coach Dave Oizerowitz said, “As good a football player Daryn is, and he is excellent, he is an even better human being. He is a tremendous ambassador for our school.” 


 

Ibrahim Kamara; Cheshire Academy (Connecticut) 


- Growing up in harsh conditions in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Kamara survived the later stages of the civil war in his homeland before coming to the United States as an 8-year old refugee. “A strong student with a kind heart and an infectious smile,” said Cheshire Academy coach David Dykeman, Kamara evolved into a standout student-athlete, and his work ethic and passion for the game have earned him multiple scholarship offers. 

 

Sebastian Quinn; West Morris Mendham High School (New Jersey)

- “Regardless of what the future holds for (Quinn), he will be forever remembered as one of the hardest-working, toughest, most committed players to ever compete at Mendham High School,” said Mendham coach Brett Ressler. In 2014, Quinn was diagnosed with ALCL non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a blood cancer. Despite frequent trips to the hospital and chemotherapy over the years, in addition to a bone marrow transplant and T-Cell infusions, Quinn fights his disease and maintains his role as a key member of the program. 


 

Ryan Cox; Clarkstown North High School (New City, New York)

- Growing up, Cox – a standout player at multiple positions – faced a chaotic home life. Cox relied on his love for football to control his emotions and keep him on a positive path, until he could ultimately reunite with his father. 

 

Christopher Vidal; Newfield High School (Selden, New York) 


- Faced with multiple serious injuries during his high school career, Vidal’s desire to get back onto the field has showcased his dedication. Newfield coach Joe Piccininni said, “Chris’ desire to overcome and lead by example speaks for itself, as it shows our players that despite numerous injuries and adversities, he always remains committed to his team.” 


 

Patrick & Tyler Giesler; Brick Township High School (New Jersey)

- Brick Township coach Len Zdanowicz said, “The Giesler brothers have had more adversity in their lives than any kid should have to deal with.” After the loss of their father, the family struggled to make ends meet, faced homelessness and lived out of their cars at times. Despite those struggles, they never missed a workout during their four years at the school. They utilized their love of football and passion for Brick Township athletics to stay the course. The entire Brick community continues to rally behind them.

 

RELATED CONTENT: Heart of a Giant: Nominate your deserving high school football player for award