COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - Coe College senior running back Trevor Heitland (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Kennedy) has been named one of four finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint John's University. Heitland is joined by Monmouth senior linebacker Matt Barnes, Saint John's senior linebacker Carter Hanson and Linfield senior quarterback Sam Riddle.

Heitland, the Iowa Conference Offensive Most Valuable Player, led NCAA Division III in all-purpose yards per game (223.92), total rushing yards (1,913) and 10th in total touchdowns (19). He had four 200-yard rushing games during the regular season and amassed 251 yards on 50 carries in the Kohawk first round playoff victory over Monmouth (Ill.). Heitland contributes to Meals on Wheels, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Read Across America and various youth football camps.

The 24th annual Gagliardi Trophy will be presented on Wednesday, Dec. 14, in Salem, Va., at a 7 p.m. EST banquet kicking off the Division III championship weekend, which culminates in the Stagg Bowl on Friday, Dec. 16. 

The finalist were selected by the Gagliardi Trophy national-selection committee, which is comprised of 40 former small college football players, former Gagliardi Trophy recipients, business leaders, academicians and sports writers from around the country. Each cast a ballot ranking the 10 semifinalists. College football fans also voted online and their tally totaling 21,852 votes represented the 41st committee member. Senior linebacker Cory Ward from Hardin-Simmons (Texas) received the highest number of online fan votes with 7,022.

The semifinalist candidates included four linebackers, two quarterbacks, two running backs, one defensive lineman and one safety. The final 10 were selected by the J-Club Board of Directors.
Click here to view the semifinalist candidates