27 Dec 2023 Harding’s Wallace named Cliff Harris Award finalist

Posted at 5:37 PMh in Sports by

SEARCY – Nathaniel Wallace, a senior defensive end at Harding University, has been named one of the 36 finalists for the Cliff Harris Award, as announced by the Little Rock Touchdown Club on Saturday. The winner will be announced by the Little Rock Touchdown Club today at noon.

The Cliff Harris Award is an annual recognition program dedicated to celebrating exceptional defensive players in small college football. Named after NFL Hall of Famer Cliff Harris, the award acknowledges players who demonstrate excellence both on and off the field.

A native of Bryant, Arkansas, Wallace recently concluded his collegiate career by playing a pivotal role in Harding’s defense during its national championship run. On December 19, Wallace and the Bisons secured Harding’s first football national championship by defeating Colorado School of Mines with a score of 38-7.

Wallace received prestigious accolades for his outstanding performance, including the Great American Conference Defensive Player of the Year award and the NCAA Division II Super Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year award.

During his senior season, Wallace started all 15 games, tallying 29 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 9.0 sacks. Additionally, he recorded seven quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

His impressive four-year career statistics include 94 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.