By COURTLIN HAYGARTH | HSU Sports Network

ARKADELPHIA — Henderson State senior wide receiver Xavier Malone is one of 48 national nominees for the 2022 Harlon Hill Trophy — the NCAA Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.

Malone, from Mound Bayou, Mississippi, was nothing short of electric for the Reddies this fall and finished the year with 67 receptions for 1382 yards and 15 touchdowns. He caught a touchdown pass in 10 of Henderson’s 11 games and led the nation in yards per reception (20.63) among all players with 40 or more catches. His 1382 receiving yards ranked second in all of NCAA DII and his 15 scores ranked third.

In total, 14 players from Super Region 3 were nominated for the Harlon Hill Trophy. Two players from each of the four Super Regions will advance as national finalists. The sports information directors from the 164 NCAA DII institutions nominate and vote on the award.

Henderson State has had a Harlon Hill nominee in each of the last three seasons. L’liott Curry was a nominee in both 2019 and 2021 and finished third in Super Region 3 voting last year.