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Saturday, December 13, 2014

Player News - Shabazz Finalist For Cliff Harris Award

Senior cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz has been named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award which is presented to the small college defensive player of the year. The award was created last year by the Little Rock Touchdown Club and is presented to the top defensive player among NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA schools as chosen by head coaches and a committee of college and professional football greats.

Shabazz finished the season with 39 total tackles including 28 solo stops. His five interceptions, which he returned for 70 yards, coupled with his 11 pass breakups gives him 16 passes defended. Shabazz also blocked a punt and recovered it for a touchdown at New Haven and he also returned an interception for a touchdown at Kutztown. He was named PSAC East Co-Defensive Player of the Week for his four tackle, one interception and blocked punt effort at New Haven.

He was named first team All-PSAC East, first team Daktronics Division II All-Super Region 1, first team Beyond Sports Network Division II All-Super Region 1 and second team Beyond Sports Network All-American. Prior to the season, he was named Preseason Beyond Sports Network All-PSAC, Preseason third team Beyond Sports Network All-American, Preseason first team USA Football Network All-American, and Preseason first team D2football.com All-American.


Among the 70 finalists, 38 are from Division II, 18 are from Division III and 14 are from NAIA schools. The overall winner will be announced on December 24 and the trophy will be presented to the recipient at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual awards banquet in February 2015 featuring guest speaker Lou Holtz.

The finalists from the PSAC are:

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