PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Jacob Zilbar has been named a finalist for the 2014 Cliff Harris Award, given to the nation's top small college defensive player, the Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP. 

Zilbar, a linebacker, is one of 18 student-athletes at the NCAA Division III level to earn finalist distinction. A total of 70 players from the NCAA Divisions II and III and NAIA levels are being considered to receive the $3,000 Cliff Harris Award trophy, which will be presented by former Dallas Cowboys stars Cliff Harris and Michael Irvin at the Little Rock Touchdown Club's annual awards banquet in February. 

Zilbar, a senior from Tampa, Fla., has received a number of accolades over the past month. Earlier this week, he was named D3football.com West Region Defensive Player of the Year and was awarded WIAC Defensive Player of the Year and WIAC Scholar-Athlete honors. Zilbar led the Pioneer defense with 78 tackles, five pass breakups and four interceptions. 

The winner of the award will be announced Dec. 24.