UTICA, N.Y. (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – Utica University graduate student and Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School alumni Nate Palmer was named one of fifteen semifinalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, presented to Division III college football’s most outstanding player, on Tuesday afternoon after his historic season with the Pioneers. He is the first Pioneer to be selected as a Trophy semifinalist.

Palmer has broken multiple Utica program records over the course of the season with 66 receptions (5th most single-season), 1248 yards (1st), and 18 receiving touchdowns (1st) and ranks 2nd nationally in receiving touchdowns and 3rd in receiving yards on his way to being a semifinalist.

Voting for the Gagliardi is conducted by a 40-person selection committee, with fan voting taking place on d3football.com and being used as the 41st vote. Finalists will be announced on December 7th.