TCU kicker Drew Combs is an inspiration.

Now he has received an honor from another inspirational football player.

Combs was born with a left arm that ends just below the elbow.

But he story is deeper. Combs planned to play at Arkansas, where he his dad was also a walk-on.

There, though, he was referred to as a "handicap kicker" and wasn't given a shot to really contribute.

He transferred to TCU and started every game the last two seasons for the Horned Frogs and recorded a career-best eight touchbacks in 2008.

Monday, he received the 2008 College Football Rudy Award.

Combs was presented a trophy and $5,000 scholarship by Rudy Ruettiger, namesake of the award, at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

The Rudy Award honors student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary character, courage, contribution and commitment as members of their collegiate football team. These same traits were immortalized by Ruettiger, a former Notre Dame walk-on, and inspiration for the movie "Rudy."

Combs fits perfectly.

"We established this award as a special way to honor and recognize college football players for the size of their hearts instead of the enormity of their stats," Ruettiger said. "Drew Combs is a special young man who personifies the spirit of this award and is an inspiration to his teammates, as well as the many Americans facing similar challenges."

After the Horned Frogs played games on television, Combs and the athletics department regularly received e-mails and phone calls from parents of congenital amputees as well as fans who know kids born with the same condition.

Combs personally responded to every message, sending autographs and posters. He takes pride in being an inspiration to others in need and providing hope and motivation for anyone he encounters.

See athletes can be role models.

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