University of Mary Hardin-Baylor free safety Jefferson Fritz and defensive tackle Joey Longoria have been named to the list of 89 finalists for the Cliff Harris Award. The Cliff Harris Award is presented annually to the top small college defensive player in the country and is in its sixth year.
Fritz, a sophomore from Kaufman High School, set a school and conference record with 12 interceptions this season. He added 40 total tackles, seven pass break-ups and blocked two kicks. Fritz earned First Team All-America honors from the Associated Press and D3football.com and was voted to the AFCA All-America Second Team. He was the American Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Longoria, a junior from Pearland High School, led the Cru with 8.0 sacks and added 12.0 tackles for loss. He finished with 67 total tackles, four pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. Longoria claimed AFCA First Team All-America honors and was a Second Team All-American honors from the Associated Press and D3football.com. He was also named ASC Defensive Lineman of the Year this season.
The Cliff Harris Award is presented by the Little Rock (AR) Touchdown Club and Wright, Lindsey and Jennings LLP. The award honors the top defensive player from NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. This year’s winner will be announced on December 24th and will receive the award at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual banquet in January of 2018.
