CEDAR FALLS - Tuesday night's practice strongly suggested the end of Josh Mahoney's days in shoulder pads, and he knew it.

The sun had disappeared by 5 p.m. So portable lights ringed Northern Iowa's outdoor fields. Then, as Mahoney got ready to leave, one bank went dark. Then another. Then darkness.

The senior linebacker laughed.

"It's starting to definitely feel like the twilight of my career," said Mahoney. "Practicing in the dark doesn't help that at all."

In one respect, Mahoney's no different than senior football players anyhwere in the country. Just one regular season game remains on UNI's 2009 schedule - at Illinois State Saturday. If the Panthers win, the chances of a playoff berth appear good. That'll mean at least another Saturday.

One way or the other, Mahoney's college football career is a few minutes from sunset.

Then again, his impact on UNI could be still rising.

On Dec. 8, Mahoney, his family and a few school representatives will attend a dinner in New York City. The Sioux Falls, S.D., native is one of 16 student-athletes who are finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, considered to be college football's academic verision of the Heisman.

Once the festivities begin, Mahoney will join Football Bowl Subdivision stars like Colt McCoy of Texas and Florida's Tim Tebow. The UNI linebacker has already earned an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. An English and economics major with a 4.0 grade point average, he's applied to several law schools.

"It's a tremendous honor," said Mahoney. "But, at the same time, behind any good student-athlete there's an army of support. So I'm grateful to the University of Northern Iowa, my coaches, my teachers, my advisors, my parents - everybody who's kind of helped give me the opportunities and resources to succeed."

As UNI's first Campbell Award finalist, Mahoney will give his school something in return, according to head football coach Mark Farley. He can be an example in his own way, much like Kurt Warner and Bryce Paup have been.

"They became the best of the best in the NFL by being the offensive and defensive players of the year," said Farley. "I think we can now say on the academic side you can become the best in your field through academics through UNI.

"With the Campbell Award that Josh is a finalist for, I think he puts the whole package together. ... It's important for our university to use Josh's accomplishments to complement the ability to have a high-level academic institution as well as a high-level football program."

Life as a role model is a subject Mahoney tackles gingerly.

Chuckling, he said, "It's a little scary for me to think like that. Sometimes, I'll struggle with figuring out exactly who I am as a person. That's difficult.

"At the same time ... it comes with the territory. Being a student-athlete, people watch you more closely. If you do good things, they obviously appreciate that."

Before Tuesday's practice, Mahoney was fitted for a tuxedo in preparation for the National Football Foundation Awards Dinner in New York. But, for a time, the shoulder pads are still required.

Mahoney is on the verge of leading UNI's defense in tackles for the second straight season. The senior stands one stop ahead of fellow linebacker Jamar Thompson in that category, at 77-76.

Mahoney's focus now is on Illinois State, and another day on the field.

"I just really enjoy this senior class, the type of competitive nature so many guys have," said Mahoney. "That's why I think this game means so much to us. We've said all along we want to put our stamp on this program and leave our mark.

"It boils down - an entire five years - for all us into one single week of practice and one game on Saturday. There's not so much anxiety as there is excitement at the opportunity ahead of us. We're ready to get after it and let the chips fall where they may."