ABILENE, Texas — Hardin-Simmons senior quarterback Jordan Neal is one of 10 finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, which honors the top NCAA Division III football player that exhibits excellence in athletics, academics and community service.

Neal led the Cowboys to the NCAA Championships, completing 185 of 280 for 2,605 yards and 27 touchdowns. He became the school’s all-time passing leader in yards, completions, attempts and touchdowns.

This year’s ballot features five players from the North Region, two from the East Region, one from the South Region and two from the West. The Gagliardi Trophy is named for St. John’s coach John Gagliardi, the winningest coach in college football history with 442 career victories.

The following players were named finalists: Alma quarterback Josh Brehm, Bethel linebacker Kirby Carr, Case Western Reserve linebacker Tom Brew, Cortland State defensive tackle Adam Haas, Hardin-Simmons quarterback Jordan Neal, North Central quarterback Kam Kniss, Union running back Tom Arcidiacono, UW-Whitewater defensive tackle Ryan Kleppe, Wilmington free safety Chad Otte and Wittenberg running back Tristan Murray.

Linfield College quarterback Brett Elliott won last year’s award. All of the players on this year’s list are seniors. The award will be presented on Dec. 14 in Salem, Va., leading up to the Stagg Bowl.

Neal is the third HSU player to be named a finalist for the award – joining running back Lance Moore in 2004 and safety Corbett Boone in 2000.

The only other American Southwest Conference finalist was Mary Hardin-Baylor quarterback Cody Fredenburg, in 2003.