Belton, Texas – University of Mary Hardin-Baylor defensive end Teidrick Smith has been named one of 63 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 third year.
Smith, a junior from Hallettsville High School, is a finalist for this award for the first time in his career. Smith was also named D3football.com South Region Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the D3football.com All-South Region First Team. Smith set UMHB and ASC single-season records with 18.0 sacks and 27.0 tackles for loss this season. He also blocked a school-record six kicks and posted 64 total tackles. Smith was voted ASC Defensive Player of the Year and ASC Defensive Lineman of the Year this season, becoming the first player on conference history to win both of those honors in back-to-back seasons. His play helped lead the Cru to an 11-2 overall record and the Quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III National Championships.
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 February of 2016.
