Cliff Harris Award Finalists Announced

January 16th, 2026 8:00am

Finalists for the Cliff Harris Award for the 2025 season were announced on Friday, January 16. The Cliff Harris Award honors the defensive players of the year in NCAA Division II, NCAA Divsion III and NAIA.

The winner of the Division II Cliff Harris Award will be announced on Monday, January 19.

Cliff Harris Award Finalists

Landon Boss, Linebacker: Emporia State University
Ja'Kobe Clinton, Linebacker: University of West Florida
Domonique Davis II, Linebacker: Central State University
Isi Etute, Defensive End: UNC-Pembroke
Tristan Exline, Linebacker: UT- Permian Basin
Kalen Frazier, Defensive Back: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Ricky Freymond, Defensive End: Western Colorado
Kenyon Garner, Defensive End: Livingstone College
Clark Griffin, Linebacker: Harding University
Brandon Hile, Linebacker: Kutztown University
Tyler King, Defensive Line: Central Washington University
Logan O'Brien, Linebacker: Chadron State College
Justin Payoute, Defensive Back: Ferris State
Clayton Power, Defensive Line: Northwest Missouri State University
Ean Rhea, Defensive Line: Emory and Henry University
Michael Shimek, Defensive End: Ashland University
Xavier Walton, Safety: Angelo State University
Tindell Frick, Defensive Line: Assumption University