Hill One of Eight Harlon Finalists
By: Justin Sampson
Updated: November 20, 2012
(SAINT JOSEPH, Mo.) Missouri Western Head Coach Jerry Partridge says running back Michael Hill didn't have quite as good of a game as he's used to in the team's 57-55 triple-overtime win against Minnesota-Duluth Saturday.
187 net yards and a touchdown on 24 carries can feel that way when you've put together a campaign like Hill's.
A committee of NCAA sports information directors has taken notice as it's voted the Griffon runner into the final eight candidates for the Harlon Hill, Division 2's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in the nation.
He becomes the first finalist from Missouri Western since fellow rusher John Fisher in 1995.
Henderson State quarterback Kevin Rodgers, whom the Griffons will face Saturday, is the other finalist out of Super Region 3.
Hill has already notched the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year Award, having gained 1,996 yards on 269 carries. He's also been a factor in the passing game, catching 16 balls for 186 yards and three touchdown.
He also became the program's all-time leading rusher earlier this season, currently holding 4,797 career yards to go along with a program-best 5,645 all-purpose yards.
The Harlon Trophy winner will be announced on Nov. 27th in Florence, Alabama.
