LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The NCAA Division II sports information directors have selected nine finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy and Notre Dame College's Jaleel McLaughlin has been selected as one of these finalists.
 
The Harlon Hill Trophy is presented to the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year.
 
McLaughlin is the only freshman to make it to the finalist selection and one of just two underclassmen. Joining McLaughlin from Super Region 1 is Hillsdale senior quarterback Chance Stewart. The Falcons defeated Hillsdale in the Second Round of the NCAA DII Football Playoffs 19-14 in a contest in which McLaughlin ran for 191 yards.
 
From Super Region 2, two quarterbacks advanced as finalists. Bowie State's senior Amir Hall and Valdosta State's sophomore Rogen Wells represent that region. Three were selected from Super Region Three; Ferris State's junior quarterback Jayru Campbell, Emporia State's senior quarterback Braxton Marstall and Southern Arkansas's senior receiver Ka'Ronce Higgins. Angelo State's senior defensive end Markus Jones and Sioux Falls's running back Garbiel Watson represent Super Region 3.
 
Five of the nine finalists led their teams to 2018 NCAA Division II Playoff berths and McLaughlin is one of three to play in this weekend's quarterfinal matchups along with Campbell and Wells.
 
McLaughlin is just the fourth ever freshman to be named a Hill Finalists and the first since 2010. The Marshville, N.C. native leads the NCAA DII in rushing with 2,074 yards and leads in all-purpose yards with 2,305. He is the only player in each of those categories this season to break 2,000 yards. His 2,074 yards on the ground broke the NCAA DII record for most rushing yards by a freshman. He ran for over 100 yards in 10 games this season and has two games with 300 or more rushing yards.
 
"The Notre Dame College Football program and campus community could not be more proud of Jaleel and all that he has accomplished in his short career at NDC," said head football coach Mike Jacobs. "To be named as a Harlon Hill finalist is a tremendous honor.

 "To see someone with the work ethic and selflessness be nominated for such a special award speaks volumes to the type of player and teammate he is on and off the field."

The winner of the 2018 award will be announced on Friday, December 14, and the winner will be honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club awards banquet on January 10, 2019.
 
The Harlon 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 Football League with the Chicago Bears.