Former Ayden-Grifton quarterback wins Scholar Award from National Football Foundation

CARY, N.C. (WNCT) — The National Football Foundation Bill Dooley Chapter hosted its annual Pigskin Preview in Cary Friday.

Crowds came out to see college football coaches like UNC’s Mack Brown and ECU’s Mike Houston, among others.

The 2024 Bill Dooley Scholar Award was announced and the winner is former Ayden-Grifton quarterback Ashton Watkins. Watkins was awarded a $10,000 scholarship.

He said he plans on attending N.C. State University. “Yes sir, yes sir, I was very surprised,” Watkins said. “My coach, actually, like many fans, recommended me for this award and it was a big surprise and I was very blessed. I thank God for every day. I mean, it’s a big help for me, my parents for college tuitions as it’s very expensive.”

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