Henderson State's
Kevin Rodgers finished third at the 28th Annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation for the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year.
Franklyn Quiteh of Bloomsburg University (Pa.) was named this year's recipient, while quarterback Dustin Vaughan of West Texas A&M University finished second in the voting.
Quiteh ended with 182 points including 36 first-place votes, while Vaughan gathered 146 points including 26 first-place votes. Rodgers totaled 100 points having 15 first-place tallies.
Rodgers is only the second player from an Arkansas playing institution to finish in the top 3 of the voting for the Harlon Hill trophy in its 28 year history. Nick Graziano of Arkansas Tech placed third in 2009 with 59.
Rodgers, who has already earned numerous All-American honors this season, was a unanimous selection as the Great American Conference Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight year and was recently named the Daktronics Super Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year.
The Reddie signal caller led the nation in passing yards per game at 400.6, total offense (399.5), third in touchdowns (40) and fourth in efficiency (178.64).
This season Rodgers completed 322-of-467 passes for 4,807 yards (8
th most in D2 history) and 40 touchdowns. He is the sixth quarterback in Division II history to throw for 4,000 or more yards in back-to-back seasons.
The two-time First-Team All-GAC selection has thrown for over 300 yards 10 times, 400 yards five times and 500 yards twice this season.
The 2012-13 GAC Male Athlete of the Year, has been named GAC Offensive Player of the Week 12 times and a National Player of the Week pick six times.
Rodgers has played in 30 games the last three years, having completed 727of 1089 passes (67 percent) for 10,079 yards (336.0 yards per game) and 90 touchdowns. He has thrown for 300 yards or more 19 times, 400 yards or more 9 times and 500 yards or more 4 times.
Rodgers has a 25-3 record as Henderson's starting quarterback. He holds the HSU single-season and career records for yards passing, touchdowns, completion percentage, and pass efficiency.
He helped lead Henderson State to two GAC Championships, back-to-back undefeated regular-seasons and is the only quarterback in Reddie history to throw for 4,000 or more yards in back-to-back seasons.
The Rockwall, Texas product has had an eventful two weeks, with even more events to attend later this month.
Rodgers appeared on the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards in Orlando, Fla. on Dec. 12 where he named the All-State/AFCA Good Works Team Captain.
The very next morning, Rodgers returned to Henderson State where he received his Bachelor's of Business Administration in Finance. Rodgers, who graduated with honors (
magna cum laude), also delivered the commencement address.
Following a brief break back home in Rockwall, Rodgers flew to Alabama this past Wednesday for the Harlon Hill ceremonies.
His month long journey will continue on Dec. 31 when he departs for New Orleans to participate in the 2014 AllState Sugar Bowl. Rodgers and his 21 teammates on the AllState/AFCA Good Works Team will take part in community service events as well as participate in all the festivities at this year's Sugar Bowl. The team will be introduced at halftime during the game on January 2.
