Al-Hajj Shabazz Named Finalist For Cliff Harris Award

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – West Chester University Sr., DB Al-Hajj Shabazz (Philadelphia, Pa./Bartram) was named a finalist for the 2nd Annual Cliff Harris Award, handed out to the top small college defensive player in Division II, III,and NAIA.
 
The Cliff Harris Award is presented by Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP.
 
"There are numerous outstanding small college defensive players around the country, and I am glad that we get to acknowledge them today as finalists," said former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro defensive back and graduate of then-NAIA Ouachita Baptist University, Cliff Harris.
 
Shabazz finished seventh on the Golden Rams in tackles with 39. Along the way, he intercepted five passes, returning one for a touchdown, and was credited with 16 passes defensed. He also blocked a punt and recovered another blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown. Shabazz was voted a first-team All-PSAC East performer by the league's head coaches while also being selected an All-Super Region 1 defender by the region's sports information directors.
 
The finalist list includes 38 NCAA Division II athletes, 18 Division III representatives and 14 players from NAIA schools. An overall winner will be announced on Dec. 24 and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club's annual awards banquet in February. The winner receives the Cliff Harris Award Trophy, which will be presented by Cliff Harris himself, along with featured speaker Michael Irvin.
 
Last year's inaugural winner was Lindenwood's Pierre Desir, who was selected in the 4th round of the NFL Entry Draft in April. A total of 10 percent of last year's finalists made an NFL roster this past August.
 
This marks the second year in which West Chester has had a representative named a finalist for the award. Last season, MLB Ronell Williams was named a finalist.