LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A defensive back from Lindenwood University has won a new award honoring the nation's top small college defensive player.
Pierre Desir was selected from more than 5,000 athletes from 500 schools for the inaugural Cliff Harris Award. The award is named for former Dallas Cowboy player Cliff Harris, a native of Arkansas. Harris helped lead the Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances.
The award honors the top defensive player from Division II, Division III and NAIA schools.
Desir, a three-time All-American, finished his career ranked first in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics history in passes defended. His 25 career interceptions are the second most in conference history and rank him in the top 10 in Division II history.
Desir was born in Haiti and came to the United States at age 4.
