Wartburg Knights quarterback Matt Sacia is a semifinalist for the 2017 Gagliardi Trophy that's presented annually to the most-outstanding football player in NCAA Division III.

Sacia is among 10 student-athletes being considered for the prestigious award, which is equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. He is the only junior in the group. The other semifinalists are all seniors.

The Knights' signal-caller has thrown for 2,722 yards and 30 touchdowns with three interceptions this season. The 30 scoring passes tie for the most in school history.

Given annually since 1993, the Gagliardi Trophy recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The award is named after legendary St. John's (Minn.) Hall of Fame Head Coach John Gagliardi, who retired in 2012 with the most career victories (489) in college football history.

The four finalists will be announced on Dec. 5. The 25th Gagliardi Trophy will be presented on Wednesday, Dec. 13, in Salem, Va., two days ahead of the Stagg Bowl (national title game).

The winner will be chosen by a national committee. The 40-member panel reviews the credentials of each candidate, ranks the semifinalists 1-10, and then casts their votes. Fan balloting accounts for the 41st ballot, and is being conducted on D3football.com for the eighth consecutive year. Fans will be permitted to cast one ballot per device, through noon (Iowa time) on Dec. 4. To vote, CLICK HERE.

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