CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – On Saturday night, J’Mari Taylor became the first 1,000-yard rusher for Virginia since 2018. Monday afternoon, the North Carolina Central transfer was named a finalist for the Dudley Award, given annually to the top Division I football player in the Commonwealth.

James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III and Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph are the other two finalists for the award, named for former UVA football star “Bullet” Bill Dudley, who went onto play in the NFL, winning the MVP award in 1946.

Taylor led the ACC in rushing and rushing touchdowns. He has run for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns, helping the Cavaliers go 10-3. They lost in the ACC title game Saturday 27-20 in overtime to Duke.

Taylor has shown all-around ability this season, as well, emerging as reliable blocker in blitz pick-ups and ranking as the team’s No. 3 receiver, catching 43 passes for 253 yards and a score. He also threw a touchdown pass in the team’s win over rival Virginia Tech in the regular-season finale.

The Cavaliers will face Missouri in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 27.

Barnett, coming off an ACL injury that cost him the end of last season, led JMU to a 12-1 record and a Sun Belt championship. The Dukes defeated Troy in the title game Saturday in Harrisonburg and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff. They will play Oregon in Eugene on Dec. 20.

Barnett has thrown for 2,533 yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing for 544 yards and 14 scores.

Joseph quarterbacked ODU to a 9-3 mark and a spot in the Cure Bowl, where the Monarchs will face South Florida on Dec. 17.