Harlon Hill Tradition
Bulldog Football and Ferris State University have carried a proud tradtion in the annual drive for the presitious "Harlon Hill Award," signifying the best player in NCAA Division II and the small college equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
Quarterback Bill Love was the national runner-up for the Harlon Hill Trophy in 1995 when he led the Bulldogs to an undefeated season and a berth in the NCAA Division II semi-finals. Love completed 60 percent of his passes in 1995 for 2,835 yards and 20 TD's. During his three years as the Bulldogs' starting QB, he never lost a regular season game (29-0-2).
In 1992, linebacker Monty Brown finished fifth overall in the national voting for the Harlon Hill Trophy and was the top vote-getter among defensive players. He riddled the opposition with 100 solo tackes, 5 interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries to lead Ferris to its first of five consecutive NCAA Division II playoff appearances. As a professional in the National Football League, Brown played for Super Bowl teams at Buffalo (1994) and New England (1997).
Quarterback Dave DenBraber was FSU's first Harlon Hill Finalist when he placed seventh in the 1987 voting. He set four NCAA Division II passing records from 1983-87 and threw for 2,321 yards his senior year. DenBraber still ranks among the all-time leaders in several passing categories in NCAA Division II football.
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