FLORENCE -- University of North Alabama senior defensive lineman Montrell Craft of Memphis, Tenn., is one of eight national finalists for the Sixth Annual Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award.

In addition to Craft, the other finalists are Brett Grozinger (LG) of Northwest Missouri State University, Jack Hiett (C) of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Ben Staggs (LT) of West Liberty University, Michael Tribue
(OT) of Carson-Newman College, E. Jared Veldheer (LT) of Hillsdale College, Willie Walker (DE) of California University of Pa., and Tony Washington (LT) of Abilene Christian University.

Craft finished fourth on the UNA team in tackles in 2009 with 69 total stops, including 26 solos. He had 15.5 tackles for loss of 62 yards and 4.5 sacks for 36 yards. He also forced a fumble and blocked a kick.
Craft was selected first-team All-Gulf South Conference for the second straight year and was a first-team Daktronics Super Region 2 selection.

He helped lead one the nation’s top defenses in 2009 that allowed just 17.2 points per game. UNA has ranked among the national leaders all season in scoring defense, total defense, pass defense and turnover margin.
UNA finished the season with an 11-2 record that included a GSC championship, a No. 5 ranking in Division II.
and an apearance in the quarterfinal round of the Division II playoffs.

UNA went 44-7 during his career with four straight 10-plus win seasons and four straight playoff appearances.
The Lions won GSC championships in 2006 and 2009 and the team was ranked in Division II Top 10 every week of his four-year career.

Voting for the Upshaw Award will conclude on Dec. 9.