LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Valdosta State quarterback Sammy Edwards is up for consideration for the the Harlon Hill Trophy.
The Gulf South Conference announced Tuesday that Edwards is one of 38 players nominated for Division II football’s biggest individual prize, along with fellow conference players Patrick Shegog (Delta State) and John Jiles (West Florida). Shegog is also a quarterback.
Through the first round game against Limestone, Edwards has thrown for a conference-high 3,733 yards in 2023, with 31 touchdowns. The 25 Edwards threw in the regular season were second in the Gulf South. He has completed 68% of his passes for the season and has been picked off nine times.
Edwards has also been getting it done with his legs for the Blazers. He is currently fourth on the team with 249 rushing yards, a figure that would be much higher without sacks. Edwards has run for five touchdowns.
This is Edwards’ first season as a starter. He completed a lone pass attempt in 2022.
The list of 38 names for Harlon Hill consideration will be whittled down in a few days via regional ballots on Nov. 27. The top two from each of the four Division II regions advance to the final round. The Harlon Hill trophy will be announced Dec. 15.
Should Edwards win, he would join three previous Valdosta State winners. Chris Hatcher won in 1994 and Dusty Bonner won back-to-back Harlon Hill awards in 2000 and 2001. Both were quarterbacks.