The Harlon Hill Trophy is the highest individual honor in D2 football, awarded at the end of each season to the most valuable player in the division. 
In recent years, the Harlon Hill Trophy has been owned by quarterbacks and running backs. Only one defensive player has ever won the award: North Alabama linebacker Ronald McKinnon in 1995.
MORE: D2 Football Teams With the Most Alumni in NFL Training Camps
While it is likely we see another offensive star take the trophy again this coming season, defensive candidates are definitely abundant, and worthy of a look. Read on to hear about some of the best defensive candidates, and check back throughout the season for updated Harlon Hill Trophy rankings.
MORE: Most Impactful Freshmen Classes in D2 Football
[divider]
Marcus Martin, DE — Slippery Rock
The Harlon Hill is not a career achievement, but it does help to be on everybody's radar as Martin is thanks to his dominant play over the past three seasons. The senior has been one of the most consistent pass-rushers in the division in a long time, and enters his final campaign with 40.5 sacks and 66.0 tackles for loss.
While production took a big hit for the All American in 2016, a rise back to the top of the leaderboards will also likely ensure the West Mifflin, PA native will be the all-time sacks leader for D2. On top of that, Martin is one of very few D2 players who will likely get a look in the 2018 NFL Draft, so he has the name-recognition as well.
It will take a monstrous season for Martin to win the award, but anything close to his season averages — 13.5 sacks, 22.0 TFL — should get the Rock stud a slot on the ballot.
[divider]
Joshua Simmons, DB — Limestone
Another potential NFL draftee in 2018, Simmons' path to the Harlon Hill will require him to break double digits in interceptions (career-high of eight in 2016) and lead Limestone a playoff berth for the first time in program history.
A prototypical cover corner with 6-foot-1, 200 pound fram, Simmons blankets the opposing team's best receiver, maximizing his ability to grab interceptions. Plus, when he brings down a pick, Simmons is looking for more. He returned three interceptions for touchdowns in 2016 and has done so four times throughout his career.
The Saints are prepping for a big season, and their defensive leader and playmaker might just play well enough to get himself a much-coveted trophy at the end of the year.
[divider]
Kevin Haynes, LB — Central Washington
Much like last year's defensive stud Connor Harris from Lindenwood, Haynes has a chance to rack up big tackle totals and prove his ability to play all over the field if he continues to raise his game.
In 2016, the three-time All-GNAC First Team member produced to the tune of 110 tackles (19 for loss) and 4 sacks. The Washington-native had double-digit tackles in seven games played, and in each of the final four in the season.
While Haynes might be a bit of a long shot when hedging your bets as to who might win the Harlon Hill, there should be no reason that we don't see his name appear on the ballots throughout the voting process so long as he and CWU have a big season.
[divider]
Drew Hebel, DB — Black Hills State
The national leader in interceptions with nine a year ago, Hebel returns for his third season at BHSU with eyes on becoming the best corner in the game.
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 172 pounds, Hebel would seemingly be suited much more for covering the slot in nickel formations, but his ball skills are so good that he can match up with any receiver the opposition throws out.
While replicating or increasing his interception total might be a bit of a challenge, improving in other areas such as tackles, sacks, and pass deflections could increase his notoriety throughout D2. The reigning RAMC Defensive Player of The Year, Hebel is on his way to a big season that could earn him such much-deserved hardware on the national level.
[divider]
Chris Gary, DE — Bloomsburg
A dark horse candidate to earn a nomination this season, Gary comes off a career-best season in which he did not start a single game, but still led the PSAC with 12.5 sacks.
Also contributing 15 tackles for loss when coming off the bench, the rising redshirt junior has brought on lofty expectations with the thought of starting this season for the Huskies.
A preseason All American by some publications thanks to the potential associated with his play, Gary could easily sneak into the conversation of Harlon Hill candidacy if he is to live up to the task of Bloomsburg's next great playmaker.
