By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University inside linebacker Jack Nelson (Sr., Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) has been selected as a finalist for the 2014 Cliff Harris Award, presented to the nation's top small college defensive player. The 70 finalists include 18 players from NCAA Division III, 38 from NCAA Division II, and 14 from the NAIA.

There are more than 5,000 athletes who played defense this year on nearly 500 small college football teams. It is the second consecutive year that Nelson has been a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award.

"Being recognized as a Cliff Harris Award finalist for two consecutive years is a great honor," Willamette Head Coach Glen Fowles said. "Jack has been the heart of our defense for the past three years and is very deserving of his recognition. He has been a tremendous leader and football player for us his entire career."

Harris, an Arkansas native, attended Ouachita Baptist University (Ark.) from 1966-69, before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 1970. He spent 10 years playing for the Cowboys and helped the team win two Super Bowls.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Harris was named First Team All-NFL for four consecutive seasons by both the Associated Press and the Pro Football Writers Association. After his retirement, he was selected as the free safety on Sports Illustrated's All-Time Dream Team.

Players are nominated by head coaches and sports information director for the Cliff Harris Award. Finalists are chosen by a prestigious committee of college and pro football greats, including Harris, Roger Staubach, Gene Stallings, and Mel Renfro among others.

The winner of the Cliff Harris Award will be announced on Dec. 24 and honored at the Little Rock (Ark.) Touchdown Club's annual awards banquet in February of 2015, featuring guest speaker and former Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Michael Irvin.

Nelson achieved 104 total tackles this season to rank first in the Northwest Conference. He also led the NWC with 63 solo tackles and 41 assists. He ranked 18th in NCAA Division III with 11.6 tackles per game and was 16th in the nation with 7.0 solo tackles per game.

He was recently named First Team All-West Region and was chosen First Team All-NWC for the third consecutive season. He was a Third Team All-West Region selection in 2013.

This year, Nelson registered at least nine tackles during every game and finished the year with 9.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 quarterback sacks. He earned a career-high 17 tackles against University of Puget Sound on Nov. 15. He was named NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week three times.

Nelson not only led the NWC in tackles this season, but also ranked first in the conference in 2012 and 2013. During the 2012 season, he made 72 total tackles with 45 solo stops and 27 assists. In 2013, he earned 112 total tackles on 67 unassisted stops and 45 assists.In 2013, ranked ninth in NCAA Division III in tackles per game (12.4), and was seventh in solo tackles per game (7.4).

"Jack has had one of -- if not the most -- dominant careers a football player could have in the Northwest Conference," Fowles noted.

Nelson set a Willamette record with 315 career tackles. He registered 191 unassisted tackles and earned 124 assists, while recording 25.0 tackles for loss. His career totals also include 9.5 quarterback sacks, four interceptions, eight pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Willamette achieved a 5-4 record during the 2014 season, including 3-4 in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats defeated archrival Linfield College, 31-28, in McMinnville, Ore., on Nov. 1. Nelson recorded 12 tackles -- all unassisted -- against the Wildcats.

During the season, the Bearcats allowed just 145.0 rushing yards per game. Opponents gained an average of only 3.6 yards per rush. The Willamette defense held three teams to 10 points or less, and forced 21 turnovers.