WESTFIELD, Mass. -- After a spectacular year for Western Connecticut State, senior running back Octavias McKoy has been named one of four finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, given to the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint John's University (Minn.). 

Joining McKoy as finalists are junior quarterback Kevin Burke from Mount Union (Ohio), senior quarterback McCallum Foote from Middlebury (Vt.) and senior linebacker Cole Klotz from Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The Gagliardi Trophy, given annually since 1993, recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The award is named after John Gagliardi, Saint John's legendary Hall of Fame head football coach, who retired in November 2012 with 489 career victories, the most in college football history. Gagliardi will receive the National College Football Awards Association's Contributions to College Football Award during the Home Depot College Football Awards show, which will be televised live on ESPN, at 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 12. 

McKoy keeps bringing in the accolades after a spectacular season that saw him leading NCAA Division III in scoring (17.3 ppg.) and rushing touchdowns (26). He led the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference in touchdowns and 183 rushing yards averaged per game. His breakout game of the year came against Worcester State where he rushed for 455 yards and five touchdowns, breaking the previous record of 441 yards, set by Marietta's Dante Brown in 1996.

The Stratford, Conn., native has received many awards this post-season including the MASCAC Offensive Player of the Year, 2013 Gridiron Club of Boston Year-End Gold Helmet Award winner and the D3football.com East Region Offensive Player of the Year. He was named to the New England Football Writers All-New England team and was a two-time Gold Helmet award winner this season. 

After his record-breaking performance, McKoy was given an ESPN College Football helmet sticker, an honor which is normally given to top performers at the Division I level as well as being invited to be on Sportscenter. The video of his appearance may be found here. 

Besides his on-field activities, McKoy is active in the community with volunteer engagement that includes local bone marrow registry drive and road race to benefit the Newtown (Conn.) Police Union. 

The Gagliardi trophy will be presented on Wednesday, Dec. 18, in Salem, Va., at a banquet kicking-off a series of Division III Stagg Bowl championship events. The final four candidates will be on hand for the banquet.