The Harlon Hill Trophy has been awarded annually since 1986 to the NCAA Division II college football player of the year. Harlon Hill was a standout player as an offensive end at Florence State Teachers College (now the University of North Alabama), being named an NAIA All-American in his senior year (1953). He later had a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears (1954-1961), Pittsburgh Steelers (1962), and Detroit Lions (1962). Hill was the NFL’s rookie of the year in 1954 and its most valuable player in 1955. He was a three-time All-Pro selection (1954-1956).
Winners by year (name, school, and position)
(Key to abbreviations: LB - linebacker, QB - quarterback, RB - running back, WR - wide receiver)
- 1986 Jeff Bentrim, North Dakota State, QB
- 1987 Johnny Bailey, Texas A&I, RB
- 1988 Johnny Bailey, Texas A&I, RB
- 1989 Johnny Bailey, Texas A&I, RB
- 1990 Chris Simdorn, North Dakota State, QB
- 1991 Ronnie West, Pittsburg State, WR
- 1992 Ronald Moore, Pittsburg State, RB
- 1993 Roger Graham, New Haven, RB
- 1994 Chris Hatcher, Valdosta State, QB
- 1995 Ronald McKinnon, North Alabama, LB
- 1996 Jarrett Anderson, Truman State, RB
- 1997 Irvin Sigler, Bloomsburg, RB
- 1998 Brian Shay, Emporia State, RB
- 1999 Corte McGuffey, Northern Colorado, QB
- 2000 Dusty Bonner, Valdosta State, QB
- 2001 Dusty Bonner, Valdosta State, QB
- 2002 Curt Anes, Grand Valley State, QB
- 2003 Will Hall, North Alabama, QB
- 2004 Chad Friehauf, Colorado Mines, QB