University of West Alabama cornerback Malcolm Butler was among the finalists for the inaugural Cliff Harris Award announced Wednesday by the Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP.

The Cliff Harris Award will be presented annually to the top small college defensive football player in the country representing almost 500 NCAA Division II, III and NAIA colleges and universities. Nominees and finalists from all three divisions and an overall winner are chosen by head coaches and a prestigious selection committee of college and pro football greats.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 24 and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual awards banquet in February 2014 featuring guest speaker Lou Holtz. The winner will receive the $3,000 Cliff Harris Award Trophy.

Butler was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference first team selection for West Alabama after transferring from Hinds (Miss.) Community College. In 2013 he recorded 45 tackles, 33 solo, and led the GSC in passes defended with 18. In a two-year career he recorded eight interceptions and 32 passes defended.