Blazek Named Gagliardi Trophy Semifinalist

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Senior Justin Blazek of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team was named a semifinalist for the 2023 Gagliardi Trophy presented by Stearns Bank it was announced on Tuesday afternoon.

The award, which recognizes the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III, has been given annually since 1993. Blazek joins a group of 20 semifinalists, including 10 quarterbacks, six defensive players, three running backs, and one wide receiver. Four of the semifinalists are from WIAC schools.

Blazek was named WIAC Kwik Trip Defensive Player of the Year and First Team Defense for the second straight season following an impressive senior season. He paced the conference with 8.5 sacks and 17.0 tackles for loss, including seven sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in just the final six games. The Naperville, Illinois native finished with 60 tackles (35 solo, 25 assist), with a season-high 10 against UW-La Crosse. Blazek forced a pair of fumbles (recovering one) and intercepted two passes. The Pioneers found other ways to get Blazek on the field as well, as he scored four rushing touchdowns in goal line situations and even threw for another score.

The Gagliardi Trophy finalists will be announced on Thursday, December 7 on D3football.com.

VOTE HERE

Vote for Justin Blazek today in fan voting portion of the Gagliardi Trophy at the link below!

https://www.d3football.com/notables/2023/11/gagliardi-voting