Key Points
  • Cliff Harris Award recognizes the Defensive Player of the Year in NCAA DII, DIII, and NAIA, named after former Dallas Cowboys star Cliff Harris.
  • Wheeling University Football player Aaron Davis is one of 48 nominees for the NCAA DII Cliff Harris Award, which now includes all three levels of NCAA football.
  • The award committee aims to recognize small college defensive players for their on-field performance and contributions to their programs.
  • Several past finalists for the Cliff Harris Award have gone on to play in the NFL.
  • Davis had a strong season, leading the Cardinal's secondary with 25 passes defended, 21 pass break-ups, and four interceptions, ranking among the top in all of NCAA football.
  • Davis is one of four players from the Mountain East Conference (MEC) to be nominated for the award.
  • The winner of the 2023 Cliff Harris Award will be announced on Thursday, December 28th.