University of Georgia third baseman/closer Aaron Schunk has been named to the midseason update for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association’s (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award, members of the association announced Wednesday.

Schunk (1-1, 2.14 ERA) leads the SEC and ranks fourth nationally with 11 saves. The Atlanta, Ga., native has made 15 appearances on the mound and is 11-for-12 in save situations. In 21 innings, he has 17 strikeouts and only five walks. Twice this season, he has hit a home run and notched a save in the same game. A preseason All-America and All-SEC selection as a two-way standout, Schunk has started all 42 games at third base and ranks second on the team in batting with a .341 average, seven home runs and 30 RBI.

The junior is among 45 student-athletes up for the award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top relief pitcher. Twenty-three conferences appear on the list with the SEC leading the way with seven representatives.

The NCBWA, founded in 1962, presents the Dick Howser Trophy to the nation’s top player. It also selects All-America teams, a freshman All-America team, players of the week and players of the year.  Former Bulldog All-American Josh Fields received the 2008 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award.

Fourth-ranked and SEC-leading Georgia (33-9, 13-5 SEC) hits the road for a three-game series against ninth-ranked Mississippi State (33-9, 10-8 SEC) starting Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET and be available on SEC Network+ and the Georgia Bulldog Sports Network.