Little Rock, AR – January 8, 2025 – The Cliff Harris Award and Little Rock Touchdown Club proudly announce Josiah Johnson, a standout safety from Ouachita Baptist University, as the 2024 Cliff Harris Award winner for NCAA Division II.
A first-team AFCA All-American, Johnson was the heart and soul of the nation’s No. 3 scoring defense, leading his team with 72 tackles (44 solo), 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. The Tigers held six of their 11 regular-season opponents to single digits, including two shutouts, and allowed the fewest touchdowns in Division II with only 16.
“I couldn’t be prouder to announce that an OBU Tiger is being honored with this trophy for the first time since the award’s inception,” said Pro Football Hall of Famer Cliff Harris. “From one Tiger safety to another, congratulations Josiah on an incredible season.”
Johnson played a pivotal role in Ouachita’s historic 17-13 victory over defending national champion.
Harding University, holding their record-setting offense to just 218 rushing yards and 288 total yards—its lowest output since 2022. His leadership propelled the Tigers to their highest-ever ranking, No. 3, in the AFCA Top 25 Poll.
Standing at 5’11” and 210 lbs, Johnson’s remarkable strength includes a 400-lb bench press and 525-lb squat, earning praise from head coach Todd Knight, who described him as “one of the most physical defenders in program history” and “a well-respected leader whose love for his teammates defines his impact.”
The Cliff Harris Award recognizes the top small college defensive player in the country in NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA. This award highlights exceptional talent and contributions to the game by athletes who have made a significant impact on their teams.
The winner of the 2024 Cliff Harris Award for NCAA Division II is selected among a finalist group chosen by the Cliff Harris Award Committee, which includes the Pro Football Hall of Famer.
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 feet 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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