Elder, Smith Nominated For Cliff Harris Award

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - West Chester University football players Jarey Elder (Allentown, Pa. / Parkland) and Ch'aim Smith (York, Pa. / York Suburban) have been nominated for the Cliff Harris Award, presented to the nation's top small college defensive player representing more than 5,000 athletes from almost 500 NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA schools.
 
Elder, a senior safety, was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division Defensive Athlete of the Year on November 20. He led West Chester with three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, eight pass breakups and 41 solo tackles in 2019. Elder was also the team's primary punt returner.
 
Smith, a graduate student defensive end, earned first-team All-American honors from the American Football Coaches Association on December 3. His 20.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks led a West Chester defense that surrendered just 18 points per game. Smith recorded 61 total tackles, three pass breakups and a forced fumble in 2019.
 
The Golden Rams had a 9-3 record this season and made the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row.

.@WCURamsFootball senior Jarey Elder has been nominated for the Cliff Harris Award, which recognizes the top small college defensive player in the nation from nearly 500 DII, DIII and NAIA schools! ?? pic.twitter.com/ZgOPukKkeb

— West Chester Golden Rams (@WCUAthletics) December 14, 2019

All-American Ch'aim Smith of @WCURamsFootball is a nominee for the Cliff Harris Award, which is given to the best small college defensive player in the country!

Here are ALL of his team-high 8.5 sacks this season ???? pic.twitter.com/elAYc2gSzM

— West Chester Golden Rams (@WCUAthletics) December 16, 2019