Utica, N.Y. - Utica College Pioneers senior defensive lineman and Rome Free Academy graduate Markel Griggs has been nominated for the 2019 Piesman Trophy.
The annual award recognizes a lineman in college football who makes a play that transcends the normal responsibilities of their position. This includes catching, passing or running with the ball or other unique accomplishments on the field.
The nomination stems from a play during the Pioneers' game against Hartwick at home on November 16, where Griggs finished a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Robbie Schempp forced the turnover and Antonio Scala scooped up the ball and ran it down field. While Scala was in the process of being taken down, he tossed a lateral to Griggs to keep the play alive and take it the rest of the way.
The Play was featured on social media by ESPN's College Gameday, and national sports blog conglomerate SB Nation announced the nominees on Wednesday.
Voting is conducted through a mixture of media members and fans. For more information on the award and to vote for the nominees, click here.
The vote ends at 5 p.m. on Friday.
