Little Rock, Ark. –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. Ithaca College senior safety Derek Slywka is one of the six finalists.

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.
 

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 other finalists are: Colin Meropoulos, Defensive Tackle, Endicott College (MA), Caleb Harmel, Linebacker, Trinity University (TX), Rossy Moore, Defensive End, University of Mount Union (OH), Owen Grover, Linebacker, Wartburg College (IA), Justin Blazek, Defensive End, University of Wisconsin-Platteville(WI).

The Division III winner will be announced LIVE on www.d3football.com tonight (12/15/2023) in the pregame show of the Stagg Bowl.

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.