Southwestern's Kelly; TLU's Dowling Named Cliff Harris Award Nominees

Southwestern's Kelly; TLU's Dowling Named Cliff Harris Award Nominees

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP announced the nominees for the second annual Cliff Harris Award, presented to the nation's top small college defensive player. Freshman cornerback Nik Kelly of Southwestern University and junior free safety Drake Dowling of Texas Lutheran University were among the list of nominees. Cliff Harris Award Website

Kelly, who was named SCAC Newcomer of the Year yesterday, had an outstanding freshman season for the Pirates, leading the SCAC in both passes defended with 19 (tied for third in the nation) and interceptions with six – despite some games in which he faced zero pass attempts. In addition, he was second in the league in pass break‐ups with 13 and also chipped in with 42 tackles, including 24 solo efforts. The versatile Kelly also made his mark as a punt returner and a receiver for the Pirates. He returned eight punts for 39 yards and caught two passes during the 2014 season – taking both of them to the house on scoring plays of 38 and 42 yards. He was also a First Team All-SCAC pick.

Dowling, a two-year starter for the Bulldogs, is a two-time All-SCAC First Team Defense selection. Dowling ranks in the NCAA Top 50 in interceptions (32nd), punt returns (24th), and passes defended (39th). A 5-foot-8 and 183-pound safety, Dowling is second on the Bulldogs with 75 total tackles, and he has four tackles for loss and nine pass breakups. He leads the squad in interceptions, with five, and averages 11.12 yards per return. Dowling intercepted a pass in the road win over Hardin-Simmons and took the pick 57 yards for a touchdown.

Dowling and the Bulldogs are in the 2014 NCAA Division III Football Championship and face No. 2-ranked University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in the first round. Kickoff this Saturday is set for noon at UMHB's Crusader Stadium.

More than 5,000 defensive players from almost 500 NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA colleges and universities are eligible for nomination and consideration. Cliff Harris was a safety for the Dallas Cowboys, who played for NAIA Quachita Baptist, and went on to play in five Super Bowls and six Pro Bowls.

Finalist for the award will be released in two weeks, and the Cliff Harris Award winner will be announce on Dec. 24 and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club annual awards banquet in February 2015.