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Football NWC Athletic Communications

Fryar Named Cliff Harris Finalist for Second Time

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Northwestern senior linebacker Parker Fryar has been named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award, presented to the nation's top small college defensive player in each of the NCAA Divisions II and III and the NAIA.

"Parker has consistently been one of the top defensive players in the nation over the past few years," commented head coach Matt McCarty. "He has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. I believe he would be an excellent recipient of the Cliff Harris Award."

A two-time GPAC Defensive Player of the Year award winner (2022, 2024), Fryar closes his Red Raider career as one of the best to put on the uniform. He was a four-time All-GPAC selection, a two-time NAIA All-Amerian, and was an Honorable Mention All-American in 2021. One year removed from being named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) All-Newcomer Team at the University of South Dakota, Fryar returned to Northwestern to lead one of the best defenses in the NAIA. The senior recorded 109 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and one sack. He also collected an interception, broke up three passes, and forced two fumbles.

Fryar ends his Red Raider career as Northwestern's second all-time leading tackler, totaling 451 tackles in four seasons. In five seasons at Northwestern and South Dakota, Fryar recorded 494 tackles.

Fryar has been named a finalist for the second time in his career after being named to the list in 2022. Northwestern Hall of Famer Samuel Van Ginkel won the award in 2016.

ABOUT THE AWARD
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 exhibit excellence on and off the field. 
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Players Mentioned

Parker Fryar

#43 Parker Fryar

LB
6' 3"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Parker Fryar

#43 Parker Fryar

6' 3"
Senior
LB