Cliff Harris Award Shocker

[CWU Wildcat Nation]

Josiah Johnson of Ouachita Baptist won the D2 Cliff Harris Award for top defensive player. Quite a surprise considering he didn't exactly put up any eye popping numbers (72 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 INT). There were several finalists who had better cases:

Jamair Diaz, Glenville State (21 TFL, 12 sacks)
Marquise Fleming, Wingate (19.5 TFL, 8 sacks)
Ricky Freymond, Western Colorado (69 tackles, 24.5 TFL, 12 sacks)
Myles Menges, Fort Hayes State (5.5 sacks and 12 passes defended as a d-lineman)
Lashon Young, Miles (8 INT, 6 PBU)

[Gliac_fan10]

Now just my opinion but I think it’s deserved. I watched almost every team in SR3 play this year, most of the top teams multiple times and he was IMO the best defensive player in SR3. Stats don’t tell as much as the story when you play on teams with elite defenses and offenses that possess the ball (i.e. Ouachita, Ferris, GV, Harding).

[FoothillBison]

Maybe Cliff picked this winner himself. He is an OBU grad, correct?

[MilSF]

He’s on the committee, but not the chairman or anything.

[MilSF]

Josiah Johnson of Ouachita Baptist won the D2 Cliff Harris Award for top defensive player. Quite a surprise considering he didn't exactly put up any eye popping numbers (72 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 INT). There were several finalists who had better cases:

Don’t forget 8 PBUs, a FF, and a blocked kick. Not always about gaudy stats. He’s the 3rd leading tackler on the team for that matter. It’s the combination of the numbers and the dominance he showed on the field. The other guys were either DL or LB who would be expected to have more TFL or sacks. Johnson played on a team that jumped to big early leads on several teams. The starting defensive didn’t play full games until just about the end, so stats are probably a bit wonky for it. And yes, I know I’m a bit biased. Unexpected? Yes. Shocked? No.

[Eagle74]

Maybe Cliff picked this winner himself. He is an OBU grad, correct?

Hey, I'm cool with it. I actually presented an award and trophy to myself one time. It was well deserving. 😉