Virginia State University's very own Adonte Braxton has been announced as a nominee for the 2021 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award presented by the Manheim Touchdown Club.

 
The award has been presented annually since 2004 to the most outstanding offensive or defensive lineman in Division II. There are a total of 46 nominees in the four NCAA Division II Super Regions. A couple notable alumni of the award are Matthew Judon and Brandon Fusco.

 
Braxton, who had 49 tackles this season as a defensive end, was second in the CIAA with 10 sacks and sixth in tackles-for-loss with 13.

 
Following this past season's performance, in which Braxton was named Second Team All-CIAA, the senior also, led his team in sacks and tackles-for-loss.

 
To be eligible for the award, the player must be a senior or in his final season of eligibility, an offensive or defensive lineman, and play in 70 percent of his team's games.

 
Players are nominated by the school's sports information directors. Voting for the Super region two ballots ends on Nov. 23, and the top two vote-getters in each super region will advance to a national ballot.

 
Sports information directors from all NCAA Division II football-sponsoring schools and conferences will then vote on those eight finalists. The winner receives an invitation to the 93rd East/West Shrine Game played on Feb. 3, 2021. The winner will also be presented the award at the Manheim Touchdown Club Banquet.