LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Cliff Harris Award selection committee and Little Rock Touchdown Club recently announced the finalists for the 2024 Cliff Harris Award for NCAA Division II. UIndy student-athlete and standout linebacker Clay Schulte was among 14 names on the exclusive list.
 
Named for the NFL Hall of Famer, the Cliff Harris Award annually recognizes the top small college defensive player in the country in NCAA DII, NCAA DIII, and also the NAIA. The award highlights exceptional talent and contributions to the game by athletes who have made a significant impact on their teams. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
 
A native of Oak Harbor, Ohio, Schulte is the third Greyhound in recent years to make the list of finalists for the prestigious honor, joining former-teammate Landry Mavungu (2023) and Rob Dury (2015).

Dubbed both the Super Region 3 and GLVC Defensive Player of the Year, Schulte finished the season with an even 100 tackles—including 14.5 tackles for loss and four sacks—while adding three interceptions and a forced fumble. The hard-hitting linebacker led UIndy to its fourth-ever 10-win regular season this fall, as well as a third consecutive playoff appearance and GLVC title. Statistically, the Greyhounds ranked sixth in Division II in rushing defense, 19th in scoring defense and 20th in total defense.