LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Following regional voting, Valdosta State quarterback Sammy Edwards was named as one of eight finalists for the 2024 Harlon Hill Trophy, the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year. The announcement was made by the Little Rock Touchdown Club in conjunction with the Great American Conference (GAC).
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
This is the second consecutive season Edwards was among the list of finalists, after finishing third in last year’s voting.
Edwards’ performance in 2024 put him in the conversation as one of the top signal callers in Division II. Through 11 total games, the senior is ranked in the top-15 nationally in passing completion (12th/.661), passing efficiency (7th/172.9) and passing touchdowns (15th/24). In addition, he helped the Blazers to their first outright GSC title since 2019, while reaching the national quarterfinals of the NCAA DII Football Championship for the second straight year.
His season ledger also includes 2,627 passing yards and just two interceptions, while averaging 14.4 yards per completion and 238.8 passing yards per game. On the ground, the Saint Augustine, Fla., native has rushed for 176 yards on 48 carries with four touchdowns. Earlier this season, Edwards set a GSC record for most pass attempts without an interception (195).
The NCAA Division II sports information directors selected the finalists through a round of regional voting. The finalists will now be placed on the national ballot where all 177 of the division's school and conference SIDs will select the award's 38th winner.
The finalist list was trimmed down from 43 nominees who were submitted by their institutions. In addition to Edwards, the Gulf South Conference was represented Delta State running back Kelvin Smith and West Alabama defensive lineman Trevon Lambert.
Joining Edwards among the list of finalist and also representing Super Region 2 was Virginia Union running back Jada Byers.
The top two players from the four Super Regions advanced to the national ballot. Overall, five quarterbacks, two running back and one wide receiver comprised the list of 2024 finalists.
The winner of the 2024 award will be announced Friday, December 20.
The Hill Trophy is named for the late Harlon Hill - the former University of North Alabama standout - who excelled with the Lions from 1950-53 before going on to fame in the National Foot- ball League with the Chicago Bears.