Player News - Elder, Smith Cliff Harris Award Nominees

Senior safety Jarey Elder and graduate student defensive end Ch'aim Smith have been named nominees for the Cliff Harris Award which is presented to the small college defensive player of the year. The award was created 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.

Elder was named first team All-PSAC East and PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year, and second team All-Super Region 1 by the Division 2 Conference Commissioner's Association. He finished the season with 60 total tackles including 4.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Meanwhile, Smith was named first team All-PSAC East and first team AFCA All-American. He finished the season with 61 total tackles including 20.5 tackles for loss (ninth in the country), three pass breakups, a forced fumble and seven quarterback hurries.

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Among the 164 nominees, 61 are from Division II, 73 are from Division III and 30 are from NAIA schools. Finalists will be announced on December 19, with the Cliff Harris Award winner being announced on December 23. The trophy will be presented to the recipient at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual awards banquet on January 9, 2020.

Cliff Harris Award - 2019 Nominees

West Chester Athletic Site - Elder, Smith Nominated For Cliff Harris Award