Randolph wins Harlon Hill Trophy, becomes father in same weekend

Jonas Randolph wrapped up his college career this past weekend, and he did it in style.

The former Daleville star won the Harlon Hill Trophy, given annually to the top NCAA Division II player in the country. Two days earlier, Randolph's girlfriend Jacklyn Bennison gave birth to the couple's first son.

"It was like two Christmas presents being early," Randolph said, "and being in the same week."

Randolph received 120 total points and won the award by three points over Washburn quarterback Dane Simoneau. The margin was the narrowest in the 26-year history of the award. Delta State quarterback Micah Davis placed third with 101 votes.

Randolph is the fifth running back to win the award in the last six years, and is the first winner from the South Atlantic Conference.

He got an unexpected detour on his way to Florence for the banquet. Randolph flew into Atlanta from Asheville, N.C., and called Bennison to let her know he'd arrived.

Bennison told Randolph that her water just broke. After talking with travel coordinators in Florence, Randolph flew back to Asheville. Less than four hours later he was a father to Braylen Kutana Randolph.

"We had him at about 7:34," Randolph said. "It was quick. That night topped off the weekend. I won, but I was happy because I had a son who I could go back and relax with."

Randolph returned to Florence in time for the banquet. As the finalists were presented, Randolph became extremely nervous.

"My heart was pounding," Randolph said with a laugh. "I was so nervous. I thought, ‘It's going to happen. He's going to call my name.'

"When he announced our names, they played our highlights. I thought, ‘He's going to start saying my name.' My heart started pounding again. Then he ended it off with ‘The 2011 Harlon Hill Award winner is...Jonas Randolph.' I just had a sigh of relief."

Randolph rewrote the Mars Hill College record book during his three seasons as a starter. He broke school and conference records with 5,608 rushing yards. During his senior season, Randolph averaged 197.27 yards per game and totaled 2,170 rushing yards, both school records.

Randolph rushed for 200 yards or more six times in 2011, including twice topping 300 yards. Randolph led Division II with 366 carries and 18 touchdowns.

"It was pretty cool," Randolph said. "I thought I'd finally done something really big with my football career. I can hold onto this for the rest of my life."

Of course, former Daleville coach Sam Holland already thought Randolph had done something really big on the gridiron. Holland coached Randolph for two seasons at Daleville, and also for a year at Chiefland (Fla.).

"Pound for pound he's the most intense and most passionate football player I've ever been around," Holland said. "In my career I've been blessed to have seven young men go on to play in the NFL. None of them played and worked with a passion for the game that Jonas does."

Randolph earned all state honors as a senior at Daleville, and was an honorable mention selection as a junior. He wanted to continue that success at Mars Hill, Holland said.

"He wanted to be the best players Mars Hill has ever had," Holland said. "With a lot of work and commitment and dedication, he knew he could have an unbelievable career and still make it to the next level after Mars Hill."

Randolph just wanted to play. After playing primarily on special teams as a freshman, Randolph earned a starting spot as a sophomore.

"Once coach put me in that starting spot, I've stayed there since," Randolph said. "I wasn't going to give that up. I knew I had to work hard to stay up there."

His hard work showed on the field. Randolph rushed for a then-school record 1,804 yards and 19 touchdowns. As a junior, Randolph ran for 1,367 yards and 13 scores. He also caught 16 passes for 206 yards and two scores.

But Randolph saved his best for last. While piling up statistics, Randolph also piled up honors. He was named an AFCA All-American, Daktronics All-American, AP Little All-American and a USA College Sports All-American.

Randolph had plenty of help with his success. He thanked his girlfriend, his son and his stepson Devin Baldasaro. Randolph also thanked everyone associated with Mars Hill.

"I give the line credit, I give the fans credit, I give the coaches credit. I give my teammates credit, because we all worked together and bonded together," Randolph said. "It's the whole Lion Nation, all the supporters and all the fans who came to the games, all of the people who have been on our side since day one."

Despite all the praises he received and awards he won, Randolph's best weekend came last week.

"It's a great feeling to have that happen in the same week," he said. "It just builds confidence. It was the greatest thing ever, and then the second-greatest thing ever."

Randolph is now ready for the next chapter in his life, whatever that may be.

"I'm just going to work out, and keep working to see if I can make it to the next level," Randolph said. "If not, I'll just be a dad for the rest of my life."