#GSCFB Trio Named Cliff Harris Award National Finalist
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright Lindsey Jennings announced the finalists for the eighth annual Cliff Harris Award, on Thursday, Dec. 23. The award is presented to the nation’s top small college defensive player.
The Gulf South Conference was represented by three national finalist as West Florida’s D’Anthony Bell, West Alabama’s Chris Terrell, and Delta State's Marvin Terry were among those named as national finalists.
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Bell appeared in 11 games for the Argonauts during the 2021 campaign, finishing with 61 tackles, including a team-high 43 unassisted from his safety spot, along with five pass break-ups, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a quarterback hurry. The senior defensive back also was named All-GSC First Team this season before hauling in AFCA and AP All-America honors.
Terrell played in all 11 games for the Tigers in 2021 and racked up 41 solo tackles, eight tack assists, 14.0 tackles for a loss of 50 yards, 7.0 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, nine quarterback hurries, one pass break up, and one blocked kick. Among league leaders, Terrell was second in tackles for a loss and fourth in sacks. As a result, the senior defensive lineman picked up First Team All-GSC and AFCA First Team All-America accolades.
Terry had a banner year for the Statesmen, topping the GSC with 18.5 tackles for loss (16th in NCAA), 10 sacks (8th NCAA) and 16 solo tackles for loss, while ranking second in the league with 47 solo tackles. The redshirt-senior rounded out his defensive prowess with 62 total tackles. The senior defensive linesman also earned First Team AP All-America and All-GSC nods.
An overall winner will be announced on December 28th and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual awards banquet on January 14, 2022. The recipient winner will receive the $3,000 Cliff Harris Award trophy presented by Cliff Harris.