Zach Amedro

FLORENCE, Ala. — West Liberty University quarterback Zach Amedro is keeping some pretty elite company these days. The Hilltoppers’ record-setting junior quarterback has been selected as one of nine national finalists for the 2009 Harlon Hill Trophy as the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year. The national finalists were selected from a list of 24 semifinalists through a regional balloting process involving sports information directors from the 148 football-playing schools in NCAA Division II. Results of the regional voting were announced this morning by the National Harlon Hill Award Committee. The top two players from each region advance to the national ballot. Three players advanced from Region Three this season due to a tie in the voting. A national ballot with the names and supporting information for all 9 candidates has been prepared and will be distributed to the 148 Division II SIDs, who will select the 24th winner of the award. Voting will conclude on November 29 with the top three finishers invited to the 24th annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet on Dec. 11 at the Florence (Ala.) Convention Center. Florence is hosting the NCAA Division II National Championship game Dec. 12. Amedro, a 6-0, 190-pound junior from Moundsville, is one of only three juniors on this year’s senior-dominated list, which is composed of six quarterbacks and three running backs.