LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Northwest Missouri State University’s Marcus Jones has been listed as a finalist for the Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP’s fifth annual Cliff Harris Award.

This award is presented to the nation’s top small college defensive player representing almost 500 colleges and universities from NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA colleges. A prestigious selection committee made up of former college and pro football greats will select the winner. In addition to the Cliff Harris Award overall winner, the top vote getter from each division will be announced. Jones is one of 30 NCAA Division II finalists.

As a senior, Jones tied a career-high with 15 passes defended in 2017, leading one of the nation’s top ranked defenses. Earlier this fall, he was named a first team AFCA All-America performer and earned first team All-MIAA honors.

In 12 games this season at corner back, Jones recorded 33 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. He had one forced fumble and also recorded an interception. The Bearcat defense finished the season ranked first in points allowed (9.3), total defense (212.8 ypg) and third down conversion percentage defense (19.9 percent).

The Cliff Harris Award winner will be announced on December 23 and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual awards banquet on January 11, 2018.

— Northwest Athletics —