Blazek Named Cliff Harris Award Finalist

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Senior Justin Blazek of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team has been named one of six finalists for the NCAA Division III Cliff Harris Award it was announced on Friday afternoon.

The Cliff Harris Award recognizes the outstanding defensive players across Division III college football. The award, named after former Dallas Cowboys safety Cliff Harris, celebrates perseverance, skill, and dedication on the defensive side of the game.

The list of postseason awards continues to grow for Blazek following his impressive season. The senior was recently named AFCA First Team All-America, while also picking up All-Region Defensive Player of the Year and WIAC Defensive Player of the Year.

The senior defensive end paced the WIAC with 8.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss while starting all 11 games for the Pioneers. The Naperville, Illinois native finished with 60 total tackles (35 solo, 25 assist), including a season-high 10 stops against UW-La Crosse on October 14. Blazek recorded at least half a sack in seven games and had seven sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in the final six contests. He forced three turnovers on the season with two forced fumbles and an interception while adding six pass breakups. The Pioneers found other ways to get him on the field as well, with Blazek scoring four rushing touchdowns and throwing for another in goal line situations.

The winner of the award will be announced tonight on the D3Football.com pregame show at the Stagg Bowl.

The full list of finalists can be found HERE.

Finalists include: 

• Colin Meropoulos, DT - Endicott College (MA)
• Derek Slywka, S - Ithaca College 
• Caleb Harmel, LB - Trinity University
• Rossy Moore, DE - University of Mount Union
• Owen Grover, LB - Wartburg College
• Justin Blazek, DE - UW-Platteville