Alabama QB Greg McElroy not selected for Rhodes Scholarship

greg-mcelroy-cac60f5d12c9c3eb.jpgAlabama quarterback Greg McElroy (12) looks for a receiver during a NCAA college football game against the Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.

Alabama quarterback

Greg McElroy

was not selected for a Rhodes Scholarship, his mother

Jami McElroy

confirmed in a text message Saturday afternoon.

McElroy completed his final interview Saturday morning, and learned the results later in the day.

"No Rhodes for our Gregory, but in great spirits and celebrating anyway!!," she wrote in a text message.

McElroy was one of 12 finalists from his district that included Florida and Tennessee. There are 16 districts nationally from which 32 students are selected annually for Rhodes Scholarships.

Just after 5 p.m., McElroy sent out a Tweet on his official Twitter page. It was his first Tweet since April 28: "I did not receive the Rhodes scholarship. But, being a finalist is a great achievement. Thanks for all the support and Roll Tide."

Alabama's athletic department later sent out a statement from McElroy: "Even though I wasn't selected for a Rhodes Scholarship, I am very proud to have had the opportunity to take part in the finalist interviews today in Birmingham," McElroy said. "Just the chance to interview is a tremendous accomplishment in my life, and something that I will look back on with pride. I want to thank everyone at the University of Alabama for the way they have supported me in this process, and the belief they had in me. The University of Alabama has had a profound impact on my life and I will forever be grateful."

McElroy's parents waited at the family home of Alabama teammate

David Ross

for the news.

"He thought he did really well in the interview," Jami McElroy said earlier in the day.

McElroy attended a dinner with other Rhodes finalists Friday night in Birmingham.

"He was so impressed with the other finalists," his mother said. "I think he could hardly believe he was there with them. He was so impressed with their brilliance. He was invigorated by the experience."

McElroy's half-hour interview was held at 9:50 on Saturday morning.

"We heard from him and he was just so excited," Jami McElroy said. "He was having this great day with these great people. I think he's just proud to be a part of this dog-gone thing.

"It's really something. It's been a long process."

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