Gagliardi Trophy ballot down to 10

The 10 finalists for the 2010 Gagliardi Trophy were announced this morning, releasing the names that will be on the ballot in voting for Division III football's top student-athlete. This season, the winner will be announced in Salem, with four finalists present for the ceremony.

• Fans: Cast your one ballot here

Last year, Augustana tackle Blaine Westemeyer became the first offensive lineman to take home the trophy.

After screening the 26 nominations, the SJU J-Club Board of Directors narrowed the field to 10 finalists. The 35-member Gagliardi Trophy national selection committee reviews the credentials, ranks the candidates 1-10 and casts their votes. Fan balloting, available now on D3football.com, accounts for one collective ballot as well, for the fourth consecutive year. Fans may cast one ballot apiece.

In its message to the voting panel, the Gagliardi Trophy administration reminded voters: "The Gagliardi Trophy is a football award but incorporates the philosophy of the well-rounded student-athlete."

All stats are through the end of the regular season.

Quincy Daniels Mary Hardin-Baylor senior running back, Belton, Texas Playoff team’s leading rusher with 922 yards and 15 TDs; rushed for 100-plus yards in six of his nine games. Team and American Southwest Conference career rushing leader. Business administration major received National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award. Active with local elementary mentor program and food drive.

Shea Dwyer Wesleyan senior running back, Marlborough, Conn. All-NESCAC back fourth in NCAA Division III with 155.25 yards per game (5.7 per carry). Set team single-game record with 255 yards, season record with 1,242. Rushed for 11 TDs (12 total) in Wesleyan’s eight-game season. Government major received leadership scholarship. Serves as teaching assistant and tutor; active in food, clothing, toy drives.

Justin Feaster Hardin-Simmons senior quarterback, Glen Rose, Texas Directed nation’s top total offense (516.5 yards/game) within one win of the playoffs. Ranked 10th in individual total offense (293.1 yards/game; 13th in passing efficiency (167.88) with 29 TD passes, 10 interceptions. Sports management major. Volunteers with Special Olympics and at area senior center.

Matt Hoffman Rowan, senior defensive end, Burlington, N.J. All-conference performer named league’s defensive player of the year. Team leader with 19 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Ranked sixth nationally with 2.11 tackles for loss/game. Health and exercise science major named Rowan scholar-athlete. Active with various volunteer causes, missed game in ’09 to donate bone marrow.

Zach Homyk Case Western Reserve, senior wide receiver, Chicago Set school single-season records with 90 receptions (fifth in nation) and 116.5 yards/game (ninth). Leads the four-team UAA in most receiving categories. Finance major; finalist for 2010 William V. Campbell Trophy considered the “Academic Heisman.” Chairs community service program for Case Association of Student-Athletes.

Ben McLaughlin Louisiana College, senior quarterback, Pineville, La. National leader in passing yardage with 377/game and TD passes with 42 (13 interceptions). Quarterback for nation’s No. 3 total offense (513.7 yards/game). Ranked 18th in passing efficiency at 159.93. Math (and health/physical education) major now teaching full-time; three-time academic all-conference. Active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Kyle Ray Franklin, senior quarterback, Trafalgar, Ind. Rated No. 1 in passing efficiency nationally at 193.29 with 32 TDs, seven interceptions; 11th in total offense with 291.3 yards/game. Heartland Conference offensive MVP. Led team to its third playoff berth in four years. Dean’s list journalism major. Worked with Habitat for Humanity projects; raised funds for Special Olympics.

Aaron Rusch UW-Whitewater senior wide receiver, Theresa, Wis. Top receiving threat on Division III defending champions ranked fifth nationally in 2010 in total offense. All-conference end also returns punts. Holds five school receiving records. Physical education major nominated for two national honors programs. Volunteers with local elementary school reading and mentor programs.

Ben Wartman St. Thomas senior running back, Prior Lake, Minn. Rushed for 738 yards on playoff team despite missing two games to injury. Holds team scoring and rushing records. Finance major named as lone D-III recipient of National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award. On student-athlete advisory committee; volunteers with Special Olympics, toy drive.

Eric Watt Trine, senior quarterback, Kentland, Ind. Guided team to playoffs as nation’s No. 2 passer (187.2 efficiency rating) with 28 TDs and five interceptions (top team nationally in turnover margin of plus-21). Quarterback for No. 2 team in total offense (515.4 yards/game). Finance major in international business honor society. Active with various campus and community volunteer programs.