LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – Ouachita Baptist University running back TJ Cole has been nominated for the 2022 Harlon Hill Trophy, presented annually to the NCAA Division II college football player of the year.

Cole, a senior from Texarkana, Texas, is among the 48 nominees from the around the nation, one of the 14 nominees from Super Region 3, and one of three nominees from the Great American Conference.

For the second straight year, Cole turned a record-breaking season. Last year, he native set a new GAC single-season rushing record with 1,530 yards, and bested that in 2022 with a final total of 1,672. His total this season sets a new Ouachita record, previously held by William Miller with 1,668 yards in 1978. Cole also broke Ouachita records this year in single-season rushing touchdowns (26) and career touchdowns (49).

Nationally, Cole is top five in D2 in seven different categories this season. He is second in total touchdowns (26), second in rushing touchdowns (26), second in total points scored (156), second in scoring (13 points per game), third in total rushing yards (1,672), third in rush yards per carry (7.43), and fifth in rushing yards per game (139.3).

This season, Cole had 10 games with at least 100 rushing yards, giving him a final total of 18 for his career. He helped Ouachita secure its sixth GAC championship in the 11-year history of the league, its fifth berth into the D2 playoffs, its fourth undefeated regular season in the last eight years, and the program's 14th consecutive winning season.

The Harlon Hill Trophy regional finalists will be announced next week. The winner will be announced on December 16 and will be honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club awards banquet on January 13.