LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- NC Wesleyan College junior linebacker Antonio Johnson was recently announced as a finalist for the 2018 Cliff Harris Award that is given annually to the nation's top small college defensive player.

An overall winner will be announced on December 24 and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club's annual awards banquet on January 10. The winner will receive the $3,000 Cliff Harris Award trophy while the top vote getters from each of the 3 Divisions: II, III, and NAIA will also be announced. A prestigious group of former college and pro football greats serve on the Award committee.

Johnson, the 2018 USA South Defensive Player of the Year, was named as one of 35 Div. III finalists and among 80 out of all three divisions. He is also the only USA South player named as a finalist as well.

Johnson helped lead the 5-5 Bishops to a 3rd place conference showing as he ranked 4th on the team with 54 tackles over 9 games along with 2 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

More can be found on Cliff Harris' story and about the award on their website: http://cliffharrisaward.com/