MANHEIM, PA. -- Joey Wehrkamp of the University of Sioux Falls Football Team finished seventh in the voting for the 2021 Gene Upshaw Award, which is given annually to the top offensive or defensive lineman in NCAA Division II. The award is presented by the Manheim Touchdown Club and voted upon by the nation's sports information directors from NCAA DII.

 

Wehrkamp, who recently was named to the D2CCA Super Region 4 First Team Defense, received 88 points and just finished five points from sixth place. He was one of eight finalists for the Upshaw honor after two candidates advanced from each of the four super regions in NCAA Division II. Wehrkamp is the third member of the USF program to be named an Upshaw finalist in five seasons (Antonio Green, OL, 2016, Trey Pipkins, 2018, now of the Los Angeles Chargers) but USF's first defensive lineman voted in. He is one of three defensive linemen along with five offensive linemen nationally to be named a finalist.

Dylan Pasquali, an offensive tackle from Ferris State, was voted the Upshaw Award recipient. Brandon Nicholson, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame College, was second at 149. Wehrkamp finished seventh with 88 points. The award recipient has an invitation to participate in front of professional scouts and coaches at the East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla. The winner will also be recognized at the Manheim Touchdown Club's annual banquet in May.

A first-time All-NSIC selection in 2021, Wehrkamp led USF to a 27^th consecutive winning season, a mark that ranks fourth across all divisions. In 2021, Wehrkamp played a key role as USF finished 8-3 and won the NSIC South Division title and fourth place overall in the NSIC.

The Sioux Falls (Washington HS) native ranks second in the NSIC in sacks with 9.5 (44th, DII) and sixth in tackles for loss with 16. He has 28 solo tackles and 37 total stops along with five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in leading USF. He was part of a USF defense that ranked fourth in the NSIC and 38th nationally by allowing 114.8 rushing yards per game, first in scoring defense in the NSIC and 38th nationally at 20.3 and fifth in total defense at 366.5 yards per game.

During his career, the two-time Academic All-NSIC honoree has accumulated 17.5 sacks - ninth all-time at USF - and 34 TFLs - 10th all-time at USF. In making 46 straight starts, Wehrkamp has accumulated 132 tackles with 83 solo stops, nine pass breakups, four fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles. USF has gone 32-14 during his tenure with two playoff berths. Enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program, he has been involved in service including serving at the Banquet, volunteering at youth Football camps and coaching youth Basketball.

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 1987 in his first year of eligibility