MANHEIM, Pa. --- Tusculum College defensive end Caushaud Lyons has been named a national finalist for the 2014 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award.

Regional voting narrowed a field of 53 candidates to eight finalists, which includes five defensive linemen and three offensive linemen.

The award is sponsored by the Manheim Touchdown Club and voted upon by the nation's NCAA Division II sports information directors. Two finalists advance from each of the four NCAA Division II super regions.

Lyons, a 6-5, 295-pound senior from Ellenwood, Georgia, recorded one of the finest seasons ever by a TC defensive lineman. He led the Pioneers with 89 tackles this year, which are a new school single-season record for a defensive lineman. Of those stops, 19 were for loss, which are the second most in TC history and most by a Pioneer lineman. The 2014 All-SAC first team honoree is averaging 8.1 tackles per game, which are most in the South Atlantic Conference and Super Region 2 for defensive lineman and fourth most in the nation (NCAA II).

In 2014, he recorded 10 or more tackles on four occasions, including a career-high 15 stops against Carson-Newman. A week later, he posted seven tackles, including four for loss and two sacks in Tusculum's 14-10 road win at Wingate. Against the Bulldogs, he made five quarterback hurries and broke up a pass. He was named the SAC Defensive Player of the Week and the Tennessee Sportswriters Association College Player of the Week.

Lyons wraps up his collegiate career with 181 tackles, which are a new Tusculum record for a defensive lineman. His 28 career tackles for loss are 10th in school history and second most by a TC lineman. His 13 career sacks are tied for seventh in program history (3rd for defensive lineman). He also was credited for two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four passes defended, including an interception.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Lyons is also a nominee for the 2014 Cliff Harris Award, which recognizes the top small college defensive player of the year for NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA.

Tusculum finished the season with a 6-5 overall record, including a 4-3 league mark to finish in sole possession of third place in the conference. After starting the year 1-4, the Pioneers rebounded by winning five of their final six contests, including a four-game winning streak to conclude the 2014 campaign.

Lyons and Lenoir-Rhyne University offensive tackle Joe Ray are the top vote getters from Super Region 2. Representing Super Region 1 are Slippery Rock offensive tackle Cory Tucker and Clarion defensive end Julian Howsare. Advancing from Super Region 3 are Minnesota State offensive tackle Chris Reed and Southwestern Oklahoma State defensive tackle Devin Benton. Rounding out the national finalists are Super Region 4 representative's Darius Allen of Colorado State-Pueblo and Ferris State defensive end Justin Zimmer.

The national round of voting begins on Monday, Dec. 1 and closes on Dec. 8 with the winner announced on Dec. 15. The award recipient has the opportunity to participate in one of two prestigious college all-star games in front of professional scouts and coaches. The East/West Shrine Game and the NFLPA All-Star Game are both scheduled for Jan. 17.

The winner will also be recognized at the Manheim Touchdown Club's annual banquet in May.

The NFL recognizes, endorses and supports the winner of the award by guaranteeing a place in the all-star games. The support comes as recognition and appreciation for the late Mr. Upshaw, who was not only an All-Pro lineman for the Oakland Raiders, but later served as the executive director of the NFL Players Association for 25 years. Upshaw, a former standout offensive lineman at Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M Kingsville), was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 in his first year of eligibility.

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