Central College quarterback Blaine Hawkins is among five finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, an award presented by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint John’s University (Minn.) to the nation’s most outstanding NCAA Division III football player.

Given annually since 1993, the Gagliardi Trophy recognizes athletics, academics and community service and is named for the late John Gagliardi, the former Saint John’s coach who retired with 489 career victories.

Hawkins is among five finalists, joined by defensive back/punter/return specialist Jefferson Fritz of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas); wide receiver Andrew Kamienski of North Central College (lll.), quarterback Wyatt Smith of Linfield University (Ore.) and quarterback Gavin Zimbelman of Aurora University (Ill.).

The winner will be revealed by D3football.com next Friday, Dec. 17, prior to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Canton, Ohio.

Hawkins, a two-time American Rivers Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award winner, was recently named the D3football.com All-Region 5 Offensive Player of the Year. He shattered the all-divisions NCAA record for season touchdown passes with 63 and also set a new Division III mark with seven touchdown passes in a half at Simpson College Sept. 25, which matches the all-divisions record.

Hawkins also carries a 3.58 cumulative grade point average with a double major in economics and business management. He has been featured recently by the Wall Street Journal and the Fox Business Network.

Central posted a 12-1 record this fall with a 10-0 regular-season mark. The Dutch captured a record 32nd conference championship while gaining their 22nd NCAA Division III playoff berth, winning their first two playoff games before losing in the quarterfinal round.