Robinson a finalist for national award

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. —Andrew Robinson, a senior defensive lineman at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has been named a finalist for the Cliff Harris

Award, an award given to the top defensive player represented in the nation’s small colleges. Robinson was selected as one of the 63 finalists out of more than 5,000 defensive players from nearly 500 NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA colleges and universities. 

Robinson, an Arcadia, Wis. native, recorded 43 tackles, including 27 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, 53 sack yards, 22 tackles for a loss totaling 94 yards, three forced fumbles, three blocked punts and kicks and one fumble recovery this season, paving the way for the Pioneer defense. He also earned first-team All-West region honors, Defensive Player of the Year accolades for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference earlier this season and was named to the first team All-WIAC for the third time in his four-year career as a Pioneer.  

The overall winner of the Cliff Harris Award, presented by the Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright, Lindsey and Jennings LLP, will be announced on Dec. 24 and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s awards banquet in February. If chosen, Robinson will receive the Cliff Harris Award trophy, presented by Cliff Harris himself. 

In just ten years as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Harris played in five Super Bowls, was named to the Pro Bowl six times and was named a first-team All-NFL player for four consecutive seasons. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 for his high school and college careers as well as the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2004. 

Written by: Carly Willman, University Information and Communications, 608.342.1194, willmanc@uwplatt.edu