Little Rock, Ark. – University of Montana Western senior Jason Ferris was named one of five finalists for the Cliff Harris Award, which honors nation's small college defensive player of the year.

Ferris, a 6-3 senior linebacker from Dillon, Mont., received the most votes in the NAIA and was a top-five finalist for the 2019 Cliff Harris Award is presented annually by the Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright Lindsey Jennings, LLP. The award honors the nation's small college defensive player of the year representing Division II, Division III and NAIA colleges and universities.

More than 5,000 defensive players from over 500 colleges are eligible to win the award. The $3,000 Cliff Harris Trophy will be presented by Cliff Harris at the Little Rock Touchdown Club's annual awards banquet on January 9. Special guest speaker for the banquet will be two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin.

Earlier this month Ferris was named NAIA, AFCA and AP First-Team All-American for the second straight year. 

Kyle Dugger, senior safety from Division II Lenoir-Rhyne University was named the overall winner.

For more information about the Cliff Harris Award click HERE.