LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Central Washington University football senior safety Tanner Volk has been announced as one of 14 NCAA Division II finalists for the Cliff Harris Award as the nation's small college defensive player of the year.
 
The Cliff Harris Award NCAA Division II selection committee and Little Rock Touchdown Club announced the finalists for the 11^th annual Cliff Harris Award. The award is presented to the nation's top small college defensive player in each of NCAA Division II and III as well as the NAIA. This award highlights exceptional talent and contributions to the game by athletes who have made a significant impact on their teams.
 
An overall winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 7 and the winners from each division will be honored in the spring with an all expenses paid trip and VIP tour of 'The Star' in Frisco, TX alongside Cliff Harris himself. The winner will receive the $3,000 Cliff Harris Award trophy.
 
For the story of Cliff Harris, go to CliffHarrisAward.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, to being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
 
Volk, the two-time J.V. Sikes Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Harlon Hill Award nominee, and already three other All-American honors this season had another outstanding season this season guiding the defense in his final season. Volk leads the Wildcats with 64 total tackles, 28 solo, 36 assisted. He's added 2.5 tackles for loss for a loss for four yards. He's tied for fifth in NCAA Division II with six interceptions on the season and has returned those for 96 total yards and one touchdown. He also added four pass breakups and one forced fumble. 
 
To view the full Cliff Harris Award release HERE