[Little Rock, AR] –The Cliff Harris Award and Little Rock Touchdown Club, in partnership with D3football.com has unveiled the six exceptional players named as finalists for the NCAA Division III Cliff Harris Award. Recognizing outstanding defensive talent, these finalists have showcased exceptional talent and leadership throughout the season, earning their well-deserved spots among the final contenders.
The six standout players selected as finalists are:
- Colin Meropoulos, Defensive Tackle, Endicott College (MA): Hailing from Monroe, Connecticut, Meropoulos, a senior, showcased his skills by leading the Gulls with 10 tackles for loss and four sacks, alongside forcing two fumbles. His season tally stands at 44 tackles, 17 of which were solo efforts, contributing significantly to Endicott College’s success.
- Derek Slywka, Safety, Ithaca College (N.Y.): The senior from Waterloo, New York, emerged as a force on the field, amassing 51 total tackles, intercepting six passes, and breaking up 10 more. His versatility showcased with a fumble forced, two kicks blocked, and two tackles for loss, solidifying his impact for the Bombers.
- Caleb Harmel, Linebacker, Trinity University (TX): Harmel, a senior from Burton, Texas, showcased exceptional leadership by leading the Tigers with 75 tackles, including 15 for loss and five sacks. His contributions extended to three interceptions and six pass break ups, propelling Trinity University to the NCAA Division III playoffs’ second round.
- Rossy Moore, Defensive End, University of Mount Union (OH): The junior defensive end from Lima, Ohio, finished 2023 with an outstanding 23 tackles for loss and 111⁄2 sacks across 11 games. His overall tally of 73 total tackles, along with two passes broken up and five quarterback hurries, showcased his game changing impact on the Mount Union team.
- Owen Grover, Linebacker, Wartburg College (IA): Grover, a senior from Dyersville, Iowa, has been instrumental for the Knights with an impressive 113 total tackles, four sacks, five tackles for loss, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. His play was key in Wartburg College’s journey to back-to back national semifinals appearances.
- Justin Blazek, Defensive End, University of Wisconsin-Platteville(WI): The senior from Naperville, Illinois, showcased his defensive dominance with 17 tackles for loss and 81⁄2 sacks, while also totaling 60 tackles, six passes broken up, and multiple game-changing plays, including interceptions, forced fumbles, and a touchdown pass.
The Cliff Harris Award is an annual recognition honoring outstanding defensive players across Division III college football. The award, named after former Dallas Cowboys safety Cliff Harris, celebrates perseverance, skill, and dedication on the defensive side of the game.
The Division III winner will be announced LIVE on www.d3football.com tonight (12/15/2023) in the pregame show of the Stagg Bowl.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
David Bazzel – President, Little Rock Touchdown Club- info@LRTouchdown.com – www.lrtouchdown.com
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About the Cliff Harris Award: The Cliff Harris Award is an annual recognition program dedicated to celebrating exceptional defensive players in small college football. Named after NFL Hall of Famer Cliff Harris, the award acknowledges players who exhibit excellence on and off the field.
The Trophy: One of the most unique awards in all of college football, the $3,000 Cliff Harris Award trophy stands almost two foot tall and weighs 35 pounds. A rare two figurine sports action bronze sculpture, the Cliff Harris Award represents an actual tackle by NFL Hall of Fame and Dallas Cowboy great Cliff Harris, against Harold Jackson of the Los Angeles Rams. What makes this trophy truly exceptional is its intricate design, showcasing extreme angles and attachment points that secure the two bronze players to a three-tier walnut wood base, setting it apart from any other trophy in all levels of college football. Crafted from fourteen distinct bronze pieces, its assembly process ranks among the most intricate and complex in sports awards. Every winner from DII, DIII and NAIA will receive their own Cliff Harris Award trophy.
Sculpted by Raymond Gibby and designed by David Bazzel, this trophy embodies excellence in both craftsmanship and football achievement.
Over the last decade, many of the finalists and winners have continued their outstanding football careers in the National Football League.
Pierre Desir (Lindenwood, winner ’13)
Malcom Butler (West Alabama, finalist ’13)
Marqui Christian (Midwestern State, winner ’15)
Matthew Judon (Grand Valley State, finalist ’15)
Michael Joeseph (Dubuque, winner ’17)
Corey Ballentine (Washburn, winner ’18)
Kyle Duggar (Lenoir-Rhyne, winner ’19)
Sam Roberts (Northwest Missouri State, winner ’21)
Caleb Murphy (Ferris State, winner ’22)
For more information about the Cliff Harris Award and to stay updated on the latest news and developments, please visit https://www.cliffharrisaward.com/.
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