Nov. 9, 2007

Complete Release in PDF Format

Wayne State University sophomore running back Joique Bell (Benton Harbor, Mich.) is one of 24 candidates for the 2007 Harlon Hill Trophy as announced today by the National Harlon Hill Award Committee, and one of only four underclassmen.

Bell currently leads all NCAA Division II in scoring (16.8 points per game), eighth in total rushing yards (1,366), 13th in rushing yards per game (136.6) and 14th in all-purpose yards per game (173.9).

A total of 24 candidates are in the running for the 2007 Harlon Hill Trophy as the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year, including the 2006 winner.

The list includes five players from the Southeast, six from the Southwest and Northeast and seven from the Northwest region.

Players are nominated and voted on by the sports information directors at the 150 NCAA Division II football-playing institutions. The 24 initial candidates will be placed on regional ballots and the top two players from each of the four NCAA regions will advance to the national ballot when regional voting concludes on November 16.

The winner of the 2007 award, which is presented by the National Harlon Hill Award Committee, will be announced at the 22nd annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet on Friday, December 14 at the Florence Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. This year's Hill Trophy Banquet will also include the ninth induction into the Division II Football Hall of Fame.