Central Missouri senior running back LaVance Taylor has been named to the Super Region 3 ballot for the 2014 Harlon Hill Trophy as announced today. The Harlon Hill Trophy is given annually to the player selected as the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year.
A total of 36 student-athletes, including nine from Super Region 3 have been named to the regional ballots. The top two players from each region will advance to the national ballot.
Taylor set UCM single-season records for rushing yards (1,654) and all-purpose yards (2,267). His all-purpose total ranks third in NCAA-II, while his 1,654 rushing yards are fourth best in the nation and his 150.4 rushing yards per game is fifth best. He set a new UCM single-game rushing record when he rushed for 288 yards in the win over Emporia State and he averaged 7.6 yards per carry and led the MIAA with 16 touchdowns. He tied the UCM career record when he returned his third career kickoff for a touchdown against Emporia State. He was named National Player of the Week once this season and MIAA Offensive Player of the Week three times.
He ranks second all-time at UCM in rushing yards (3,677), second in all-purpose yards (5,880), third in rushing touchdowns (34), third in total touchdowns (42), fifth in scoring (252), seventh in receptions (130) and seventh in kick return yards (1,086).
The Mules finished the regular season 7-4 and in fourth place in the MIAA. UCM has accepted a bid to play in the Live United Texarkana Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 6 against Southeastern Oklahoma State. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
Central Missouri quarterback Eric Czerniewski won the Harlon Hill Trophy following the 2010 season.
