Most kids grow up throwing a ball; Andrew and Patrick Dolan grew up kicking one.Senior punter Patrick was just recently named one of 121 semifinalists by the National Football Foundation for the William V. Campbell Trophy, the highest honor in college football for a scholar-athlete.

Patrick is not only the first Nicholls player to ever be up for this award, but he’s also the only player in the Southland Conference up for the award this year.

“Patrick is most certainly deserving of the consideration for this prestigious award,” said head coach Charlie Stubbs. “He is a true model for what a student-athlete is and should be, and he has demonstrated his work ethic not only in the classroom but on the football field this season. He is the only young man that we have chosen to be a team captain three of our first four games. I have no doubt that whatever he chooses as a career path in life that he will be successful.”

Patrick’s younger brother Andrew is a freshman, and, like his older brother, he kicks and punts for the team as well.

“It’s a cool experience,” Patrick Dolan said. “Before college, we never had the chance to be on the same team. It’s crazy how it all works out. Now we’re playing college football together.”

The Dolans grew up like most siblings do–competitively.

They played soccer their whole lives and Patrick started playing football when he was a freshman, while Andrew started in the eighth grade.

“We were out there one day in our yard just kicking the ball and a coach walked by and saw us,” Patrick said. “The coach came by and told us, ‘hey man, ya’ll are pretty good, let’s see what you got.'”

Last season, he was named All-Southland First Team punter after averaging 42.7 yards per punt.

Andrew hopes to follow in his big brother’s footsteps.

“It’s been challenging,” Andrew said. “His expectations are so high right now. He’s a preseason All-American and has gotten so many awards for academics. It makes me want to strive even more and work harder because of what he’s accomplished.”

While Andrew was deciding which college to go to, Patrick did some recruiting of his own.

“I wanted him to make the best choice for himself,” Patrick said. “I’ve always loved it here, and they’ve done everything for me that I’ve ever asked for, so I was high on Nicholls. I led him, and he ended up choosing here.”

Now the two find themselves in a position they’ve never been in before, playing for the same team.

“It’s been an awesome opportunity,” Andrew said. “At practice, when I’m kicking bad or he’s kicking bad, we always have each other to tell each other what we’re doing wrong.

Freshman Andrew Dolan kicks off during the Sept. 25 homecoming game against Bacone College. (Ashley Falterman)