LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Western Oregon University linebacker Jaylin Parnell is a nominee for the Cliff Harris Award for the second straight season that was announced by the Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright Lindsey Jennings, LLP on Friday.

Parnell is coming off of a season in which he earned First Team All-GNAC accolades for the second straight year and tallied strong all-around numbers once again. He started all 10 games at linebacker this season, leading the team in total tackles with 78, including 49 solo, tackles for loss with 17 (67 yards), sacks with 8.5 (51 yards), and two forced fumbles. Parnell also blocked a field goal, tallied three pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. He had four games this season where he posted 10 or more tackles reaching a season-high with 12 at Chadron State. He added six or more solo tackles in five games, reaching a high of seven also against the Eagles. Parnell had a tackle for loss in eight games, with multiple TFL in five games and a high of four against Lincoln (CA). He recorded sacks in five games and had three also against Lincoln (CA). Parnell forced two fumbles and blocked a field goal in the game at Simon Fraser. Parnell finished the season ranked high nationally in several categories including 72nd in forced fumbles per game (second in GNAC), 25th in sacks per game (led the GNAC), 49th in solo tackles per game (second in the GNAC), 13th in tackles for loss per game (led the GNAC) and 77th in total tackles per game (second in the GNAC). Named to First Team All-GNAC Team in each of the past two seasons.

The eighth annual Cliff Harris Award is presented to the nation's top small college defensive player representing more than 5,000 defensive players from almost 500 NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA colleges and universities. A prestigious selection committee made up of former college and pro football greats will select the winner. Finalists for the award will be released in one week and the Cliff Harris Award winner will be announced on Dec. 28.