Ryan Schernecke, a Hatboro native, Upper Moreland High School graduate, and a redshirt senior offensive tackle for the Kutztown University football team, has been named one of eight national finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award, the university announced.
 
Two finalists from each of the four super regions were voted forward by sports information directors from across the country. The annual award is named in honor of the late Mr. Gene 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.
 
Schernecke has started all 13 games at left tackle for the unbeaten and third-ranked Golden Bears this season. He is a three-time All-PSAC East pick, earning First Team honors in 2024 and 2025 and a two-time D2CCA All-Super Region 1 selection, capturing a First Team spot in 2025.

With Schernecke leading the way up front, Kutztown ranks second in NCAA Division II in passing efficiency (177.1), fourth in scoring offense (43.6 ppg), fourth in fewest tackles for loss allowed (3.31), fifth in fewest sacks allowed (0.69) and 19th in total offense this season (436.3 ypg). He also rushed once for a 2-yard touchdown in a victory over Millersville University on October 18.
 
Schernecke has played in parts of five seasons between 2021-25, making 43 career starts in 46 games.

He’s been a key to the Golden Bears’ success in the trenches, helping the program to PSAC East and PSAC championships in 2021, 2024 and 2025, along with being a member of the 2023 team that won both the PSAC East and PSAC titles. Kutztown advanced to the national quarterfinals in 2021 and 2025.
 
Prior to the start of the 2025 season, Schernecke was named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List as part of the Second Team Offense.
 
Schernecke is the first finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award from Kutztown since Jordan Morgan won the award in 2016. Morgan was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round (147th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
 
The winner will be voted upon by sports information directors from across Division II and announced December 12. All nominees are seniors or graduate players/transfers and are lineman on either side of the ball at either offensive tackle, guard, or center; or defensive tackle, guard, or end.

More about Schernecke’s collegiate career here.

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Photos: KU