WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Jr., MLB Ronell Williams was named a finalist for the inaugural Cliff Harris Award it was announced by the Little Rock (Ark.) Touchdown Club and Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP late Wednesday. Williams is one of 50 finalists for the "Small College Defensive Player of the Year".
The Cliff Harris Award will be presented annually to the top small college defensive football player in the country representing almost 500 NCAA Division II, III and NAIA colleges and universities. Nominees and finalists from all three divisions and an overall winner are chosen by head coaches and a prestigious selection committee of college and pro football greats. The winner will be announced on Dec. 24 and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club's annual awards banquet in February 2014 featuring guest speaker Lou Holtz. The winner will receive the $3,000 Cliff Harris Award Trophy.
Williams currently leads West Chester in tackles with 106 and QB hurries with four while ranking third on the team in interceptions with two. He has 8.5 tackles for a loss, including 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and also recovered a fumble. His 57 solo tackles also leads the team.
The junior linebacker has led the Golden Rams in tackles in each of his three years with the club and has over 300 career stops. The 2012 AFCA All-America selection is a two-time, first-team All-PSAC East and All-Super Region 1 pick as well.
Williams leads No. 15 West Chester (13-1) into its NCAA national semifinals contest against No. 13 Lenoir-Rhyne (11-1) on Saturday in Hickory, N.C. Kickoff is set for 12:05 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN3.
