Ashland University senior defensive end
Michael Shimek has been one of the most dominant defensive players in NCAA Division II in 2025.
Now, Shimek has the opportunity to be voted as the Player of the Year in NCAA Division II in 2025, as he is one of 36 players nominated for the Harlon Hill Trophy.
Shimek, the Great Midwest Athletic Conference's 2025 Player of the Year, is in the midst of turning in one of the top defensive seasons in program history. He has recorded a nation-leading 17½ sacks, along with 18½ tackles for loss, 55 total tackles (31 solo), three forced fumbles and two blocked kicks. Only one other player in Ashland football history has had more sacks in a season (College Football Hall of Famer Bill Royce, 20½, 20 and 18½), and the tackles for loss number is second-most in school history.
In each of the last six games, Shimek has recorded at least one sack and one tackle for loss. He has racked up seven games this fall with at least a sack-and-a-half, with a high of 3½ quarterback takedowns at Indiana, Pa., in the season-opener on Sept. 4.
Shimek is the only defensive lineman up for the award, and one of only five defensive players overall.
The winner of the 2025 award will be announced on Dec. 19.
No. 18-ranked Ashland (10-2) will go to No. 1 Ferris State (12-0) for an NCAA second-round playoff game at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 29).
ALL-TIME ASHLAND UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL HARLON HILL TROPHY CANDIDATES
Michael Shimek, DE, 2025
Travis Tarnowski, QB, 2015, 2017
Adam Shaheen, TE, 2016
Taylor Housewright, QB, 2012 (finished fifth in final voting)
Billy Cundiff, QB, 2008, 2009
Bill Royce, DE, 1992, 1993
Ron Greer, LB, 1991
Chris Harkness, WR, 1988
Vince Mazza, K-P, 1986