Jeffrey Gunter named 2018 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy finalist

Coastal Carolina sophomore defensive end Jeffrey Gunter was announced as one of 20 top finalists for the 2018 Blanchard-Rogers Award (South Carolina’s Heisman) presented by Hale’s Jewelers, announced in early November by the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF). The award goes out to the most outstanding collegiate player of the year that has South Carolina ties.

The winner is derived from a vote of its members (fan members, sports media, and its boards and executive team). Online voting at scfootballhof.org/membership/vote/ is open until Dec. 10.

Gunter has been a terror for offenses this season on the CCU defensive line, as he leads the team with 13.5 tackles for loss (-65 yards) and 5.0 sacks. With his 13.5 tackles in the backfield this season, he leads the Sun Belt and ranks 17th nationally in tackles for loss with an average of 1.5 per game.

The sophomore’s 13.5 tackles for loss this season is tied for the second-most by a Chant in a single season and is only 2.5 TFL away from tying the CCU single-season record of 16.0 set in 2003 by Maurice Simpkins.

The 6-4 defensive end blocked a field goal in the third quarter in the win over UAB (Sept. 8) and forced a fumble in the road contest at Campbell (Sept. 12). He also has registered 38 total tackles, two quarterback hurries and two pass breakups this season.

The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy will be awarded at the organization’s annual Enshrinement Banquet on April 23, 2019, at the Hilton Greenville. Rock Hill native and Oklahoma State standout quarterback Mason Rudolph and former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson are past recipients of the trophy. The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy is handcrafted by local artist Ryan Calloway of Creative Iron Works. This will be the sixth straight year the organization has honored the collegiate player of the year from South Carolina.