A Central student-athlete has been nominated for a prestigious award. Senior linebacker Tate O’Tool has been nominated for the Cliff Harris award, presented to the nation’s top small college defensive player from an NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III or NAIA school.

One of five Central players to be named to the all-conference first team this season, O’Tool was third on the team with 92 tackles. He was also responsible for four takeaways.

The finalists will be announced next week, and the winner of this year’s award will be announced on December 23rd. The recipient will be honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual awards banquet in January.