TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River North football player has become a finalist for the 2017 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award.

Daryn Blackwell, the Mariners' 6-foot, 240-pound running back and tight end, received enough votes in the Week 2 voting to advance, according to a news release from USA Football. The Heart of a Giant awards program honors players from the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tristate area who have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

"As good a football player Daryn is, and he is excellent, he is an even better human being," Toms River North football coach Dave Oizerowitz told USA Football. "He is a tremendous ambassador for our school." Blackwell told USA Football he plans to go to college to study sports medicine. Blackwell tied with Ibrahim Kamara of Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, CT to advance from the Week 2 pool of nominees.