MANHEIM, Pa. – Central Washington University senior center Slade Edwards has been named one of eight national finalists for the 2025 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award, the Manheim Touchdown Club announced Friday.
 
Edwards becomes Central's first-ever finalist for the award.
 
A native of Yelm, Washington, Edwards has been a leader of the 'Cats offensive unit that was dominant in 2025. The 'Cats offense garnered 266.1 rushing yards per game and 154.83 passing yards per game for a total of 420.9 yards per contest this season. The offensive line was exceptionally great at containing defenses only allowing 43 tackles for loss and 10 sacks all season.
 
The eight finalists – two from each of the four NCAA Division II Super Regions – were selected by sports information directors from across the country. Edwards is joined in Super Region 4 by Harding offensive tackle Jake Mitchell.
 
The other six finalists include:
 

• Super Region 1: Joe Cooper (OT, Slippery Rock) & Ryan Schernecke (OT, Kutztown)
• Super Region 2: Will Hart (OG, Wingate) & Avery Swinton (OT, Catawba)
• Super Region 3: Tim Aderson (OT, Ferris State) & Michael Shimek (DE, Ashland)

 
The award is voted on by sports information directors from across Division II. The winner will be announced on Friday, Dec. 12.
 
The award is named in honor of the late Gene Upshaw, who was an All-Pro lineman for the Oakland Raiders and later served as the executive director of the NFL Players Association for 25 years. Upshaw, a standout at Texas A&I University (Now Texas A&M-Kingsville), was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
 
Read the full Gene Upshaw Release HERE