RMACers nominated for Upshaw Award

Defensive lineman Makeah Scippio from CSU Pueblo and offensive tackle Nic Van de Graaf from Colorado Mines are two of the 31 finalists for the 2024 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year.

A 6-foot-4, 225-pound senior from Colorado Springs, Scippio recorded 28 total tackles, including 13 solo stops, and led the ThunderWolves in both sacks (9.0) and tackles for a loss (12.0) and was also credited with both a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.  Scippio ranked second in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in sacks and eighth in the league in tackles for a loss.

A 6-foot-3, 305-pound senior from Houston, Texas,  Van de Graaf joins a club of only two Orediggers with 50 or more career starts. From Houston, Texas, Van de Graaf is now Mines’ all-time leader in offensive line starts (51), surpassing Grant Stewart (2015-2018).  Van de Graaf trails only John Matocha (57) for the most at any position.

The nation’s NCAA Division II sports information directors nominate and vote on the award. Two finalists will advance from each of the four super regions to a national ballot, with national finalists announced on December 4. The winner will be announced on December 12. All nominees must be seniors or graduate players/transfers and are linemen on either side of the ball at either offensive tackle, guard, center, defensive tackle, guard, or end.

First presented in 2004, CSU Pueblo’s Darius Allen was the Upshaw awardee for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.  Here are the Upshaw recipients.