LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Cliff Harris Award, generously sponsored by Wright, Lindsey, Jennings LLP, proudly announces the selection of Central Washington University Safety Tanner Volk, as the 2023 Cliff Harris Award Winner for NCAA Division II. He becomes the first Junior and Central Washington University player to win the award.
 
"I am extremely honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award," Volk said. "I'm very thankful for my teammates and coaches, and the countless work that they put in this year. I just want to thank Mr. Harris and the rest of the selection committee. I'm very grateful to represent this program and university. What an honor for the entire community. Go Cats!" 
 
The Award, previously given to the overall best small college defensive player, has been expanded this year awarding one winner for each of NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and the NAIA.  Volk was one of 48 finalists for the NCAA Division II Cliff Harris Award. 
 
As this year's recipient, Volk is slated to be honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club's annual awards banquet at a date to be determined. He will receive the $3,000 Cliff Harris Award trophy presented by Cliff Harris. 
 
"We are extremely excited to see Tanner win such a prestigious award," CWU Head Football Coach Chris Fisk said. "I can't think of a better person to win this award. Not only did he have the stats required to win this award, but I think Mr. Harris would be excited to know he also picked one of the most deserving people to win this award since Tanner's character is just as impressive as his stats." 
 
For the story of Cliff Harris, go to ClifHarrisAward.com and read about his amazing journey from an overlooked high school player from tiny Des Arc, Arkansas, and one scholarship offer to then NAIA Ouachita Baptist University, to five Super Bowls and six Pro Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. 
 
The honor of winning the Cliff Harris Award comes after many honors already this season including: D2CCA Ron Lenz Defensive Player of the Year, Associated Press First Team All-American, AFCA First Team All-American, Super Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year, D2Football.com Elite 100 Defensive Player of the Year, Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award. 
 
Volk had an impressive season leading the entire NCAA with 13 interceptions that he returned for 182 yards and one touchdown. He racked up an impressive 124 tackles with 64 coming solo and 60 being assisted. Out of his 124 tackles, 8.5 came for a loss of 14 yards. He also had four pass breakups, 17 passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He helped guide the Wildcats to a 9-4 overall record, a 7-1 LSC record with seven-straight wins, and a Super Region 4 finals appearance with all three playoff games happening on the road.
 
"After reviewing our outstanding group of finalists for this season, we're thrilled to be able to recognize the incredible season Tanner Volk had for Central Washington," said Cliff Harris. "Not only leading the nation with 13 interceptions, but also in total tackles is something this old safety can appreciate. Congratulations to Tanner, and I can't wait to present your award to you in 2024." 
 
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