Tuskegee RB Derrick Washington a Finalist for Harlon Hill Trophy - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

The National Harlon Hill Trophy Committee announced today that Tuskegee running back Derrick Washington has been named a finalist for the 2012 Harlon Hill Trophy awarded to the Most Outstanding football player in Division II.

The 2012 SIAC Football Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year, Washington, is one of eight finalists selected from a field of 24 candidates within the four Super Regions across Division II. The finalists were selected by the NCAA Division II sports information directors during regional voting and will now be placed on the national ballot where 155 of the division's SIDs will select the award's 27^th winner.

In his first and only season at Tuskegee, Washington, a transfer from University of Missouri, has been the lightning rod for Tuskegee's 9-1 record this year. As the seventh overall rusher in the nation, the Raymore, Missouri native, led the conference in rushing with 1,399 yards and 13 touchdowns while leading Tuskegee to its 26th SIAC Football Championship. He also averaged 8.1 yards per carry and rushed for more than 100 yards in six games, while running for 200-plus yards three times this season. In his last two outings, Washington rushed for 208 yards against Miles and 224 yards against Fort Valley State in the SIAC Championship game.

Additionally, Washington has caught 13 passes for 210 yards and a score to add to his touchdown pass this season. On Thursday, Tuskegee will face FCS opponent Alabama State for the 89^th Annual Turkey Day Classic, 3 pm (CT) on ESPNU.

The list of finalists is comprised of four quarterbacks, three running backs, and one receiver. National voting will conclude on Thursday, November 29^th. The top three finishers will be invited to the Marriot Shoals in Florence, Alabama on Saturday, December 14^th where the winner of the 2012 award will be announced at the 27^th annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet.