IUP probably does not pile up an average of 477.4 yards across 11 games this season if not for the up-front blocking of players like Jeff Arnold.
A senior lineman from Brashear, Arnold has played well enough to be considered for a national award.
Arnold is one of eight finalists for the Gene Upshaw Award, which goes to the top senior lineman in Division II.
Four offensive and four defensive linemen are up for the honor, presented by the Manheim Touchdown Club and selected by NCAA Division II sports information directors. Two finalists advance from each of the four NCAA super regions. Arnold was an All-American selection last year at center and has garnered three All-Super Region 1 honors in three seasons. He is a four-time All-PSAC West selection.
He has started 45 of 47 games in his career.
IUP has racked up 50-or-more points six times this season. The Crimson Hawks are 41-7 with three NCAA playoff appearances with Arnold in the starting lineup.
Senior center Jeff Arnold is one of eight finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award. #ALLIN19 | #TalonsUp pic.twitter.com/hGqOY0NocN
— IUP Football (@IUPfootball) November 22, 2019
Other finalists are: Slippery Rock left tackle Chris Larsen; Lenoir-Rhyne defensive end Jaquan Artis; Valdosta State offensive lineman Adonis Sealey; Ferris State defensive end Austin Edwards; Truman State defensive end Sam Reeves; Tarteton State defensive end B.J. Jefferson; and left tackle Grant Stewart of Colorado School of Mines.
IUP opens the NCAA Division II playoffs noon Saturday at home against Shepherd.
