BRIDGEPORT, W. Va. — University of Charleston running back Chavon Wright has been named a finalist for the 2024 Harlon Hill Trophy, which honors the Division II College Football Player of the Year. The eight finalists — two from each Super Region — were announced Wednesday by the Little Rock Touchdown Club, in partnership with the Great American Conference.
The winner will be announced Friday, December 20.
Reigning Harlon Hill winner Zach Zebrowski of Central Missouri is a finalist from Super Region 3. He is joined on the ballot by four other quarterbacks, two running backs, and one wide receiver.
Wright, a 5-foot-8, 200-pound redshirt junior from Opa Locka, Florida, was named the 2024 Mountain East Conference Offensive Player of the Year after a record-breaking season for the nationally ranked Golden Eagles. Also on Wednesday, Wright was named the D2CCA All-Region Super 1 Offensive Player of the Year, the first running back to capture that honor since another MEC ball carrier, Jaleel McLaughlin, in 2018.
Wright rushed 355 times for 2,235 yards this season, as well as an NCAA Division II-record 38 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry, led all divisions in touchdowns, had at least 100 rushing yards in all 12 of UC’s games, reached the 200-yard mark four times, and had multiple touchdowns in every regular season game.
A list of 43 student-athletes were nominated for the 2024 Harlon Hill Trophy. There were nine nominees from Super Region 1, 12 from Super Region 2, 11 from Super Region 3, and 11 from Super Region 4.
Division II sports information directors nominate candidates. The SIDs in each Super Region then vote for their top five candidates. The winner is then determined in a nationwide vote of the Division II SIDs. The SIDs at the 159 NCAA Division II football-playing institutions nominate and vote on the award.
The group of 43 candidates includes 16 quarterbacks, nine running backs, six wide receivers, four defensive linemen, three defensive backs, two linebackers, a fullback, a return specialist and a kicker. The list features 24 seniors, 17 juniors and two sophomores.
2024 Harlon Hill Trophy Finalists
Super Region 1
Brayden Long, QB, Slippery Rock
Chavon Wright, RB, Charleston
Super Region 2
Jada Byers, RB, Virginia Union
Sammy Edwards, QB, Valdosta State
Super Region 3
Zach Zebrowski, QB, Central Missouri
Trinidad Chambliss, QB Ferris State
Super Region 4
Reggie Retzlaff, WR, CSU-Pueblo
Braeden Fuller, QB, Angelo State