LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- Defensive end Alex Markarian was named a Cliff Harris Award finalist Thursday. The award is presented to the nation's top small college defensive player.
 
Seventy student-athletes were selected to the finalist list and Markarian is one of only 38 Division II football players included.
 
The senior defensive lineman earned American Football Coaches Association All-American honors last week and has received numerous postseason accolades. In addition to his selection as a unanimous Great Northwest Athletic Conference First Team  choice, Markarian was a Daktronics All-Super Region 3 Second Team selection, a Don Hansen Super Region 3 Second Teamer and named to the BSN Division II Football All-Super Region 3 Third Team.
 
An overall winner will be announced on December 24 and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club's annual awards banquet in February 2015.