(Sports Network) - Defensive end Bruce Smith, tight end Shannon Sharpe and defensive back Rod Woodson headline the list of 17 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2009.

The trio, along with defensive tackle John Randle, are each in their first year of eligibility for the prestigious honor. Nine other modern-era players, which include wide receivers Cris Carter and Andre Reed and linebacker Derrick Thomas, were also named finalists, who must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent in order to be elected.

The total preliminary list had included 110 players, seven coaches and 16 contributors -- nominees who made outstanding contributions to pro football in capacities other than playing or coaching.

The contributor finalists are former league commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Buffalo Bills founder/owner Ralph Wilson, Jr.

Senior nominees Bob Hayes and Claude Humphrey are already ensured a spot in the Hall. They were selected in August by the Hall of Fame's Senior Selection Committee.

The preliminary list of 133 was whittled to 25 semifinalists in October, and later trimmed by a mail ballot.

The Class of 2009, which will consist of between four to seven new members, will be determined at the Selection Committee's annual meeting on Saturday, January 31, 2009, in Tampa, Florida the day before Super Bowl XLIII. The election results are announced immediately following that meeting.



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