In 2008, Northwest Missouri State running back LaRon Council faced the unenviable task of replacing Xavier Omon, one of the more dominant running backs in Division II over his four-year Bearcat career.

"The one thing about him," Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma said, "is that I don't think anybody thought he could come close to doing what Xavier did."

But Council met those expectations head on, putting up stellar numbers and keeping the Bearcats atop the MIAA the past two years.

His 1,202 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns this season also proved enough to earn national attention. Council was named one of nine finalists for the Harlon Hill Award, which is the NCAA Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.

Council also establishes an added threat in the Bearcats' passing game. He's caught 33 passes for 271 yards, an average of 8.2 yards a reception. He's Northwest's third-leading receiver.

"He's really developed his skills in all areas of being a running back," Tjeerdsma said. "Not only is he very productive with the football in his hands, but he might be the best receiver out of the backfield we've had since I've been here."

Another remarkable statistic for Council is the fact that he hasn't lost a fumble in the last 381 times he's touched the ball. Dating back to last season, that streak stretches out over 19 consecutive games.

In 2008, Council put up one of the best seasons ever for a Northwest running back. He rushed for 1,739 yards and 35 touchdowns in the Bearcats' 15 games. This season, Northwest didn't run as much early in the season, mainly due to inexperience along the offensive line.

"I'm thrilled for him," said Tjeerdsma, also noting that Council will graduate this year with a degree in mathematics. "He's very good with our younger players, especially our younger backs, and tries to teach them what he's learned.

"He's real quiet, but he's a great leader by example. And he's developed his leadership skills and grown in that area this year."

The Harlon Hill ballot - which is voted on by sports information directors at Division II schools - includes two other running backs and six quarterbacks. Voting ends Nov. 29, and the top three finishers will be invited to Florence, Ala., for the presentation banquet on Dec. 11, the evening before the Division II national championship game.