Division II cornerback gets honor

Lindenwood University defensive back Pierre Desir is the first winner of the Cliff Harris Award, which will be presented annually to the nation’s top small-college defensive player.

Desir, 6-2, 206, a three time All-American, finished his collegiate career with 25 interceptions, ranking him in the top 10 all-time in Division II.

The award is named in honor of Harris, an Arkansas native who was offered only one college scholarship to then-NAIA Ouachita Baptist University. Harris was passed over for the 1970 NFL draft. He signed a free-agent contract with the Cowboys and then helped lead Dallas to five Super Bowl appearances during the next decade. Harris played in six Pro Bowls.

Defensive players from Division II, Division III and NAIA schools are considered for the award.

Harris said he is impressed by Desir as both a player and as a person.

“He has a tremendous story, starting with his family’s move to the United States from Haiti,” Harris said. “He didn’t begin playing football until the 9th grade, which is when I started. He has worked hard and in the process has become one of the best college defensive backs in the nation. I wish him the best as he pursues his dream of playing in the NFL.”

The trophy presentation will take place at the Little Rock Touchdown Club awards banquet on Feb. 13. Former Arkansas football coach and ESPN analyst Lou Holtz will be the featured speaker at the banquet.

Lindenwood coaches estimated that 5 percent of opponent passes were thrown in Desir’s direction this season. He still had 4 interceptions, 8 pass breakups and 12 passes defended while playing for Lindenwood, which is in St. Charles, Mo., about 20 miles west of St. Louis.

Desir was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, before coming to the U.S. with his family. Desir was a soccer player until his freshman year in high school when he decided to play football at Francis Howell Central High School in St. Peters, Mo., which is near St. Louis. He was an all-state defensive back as ajunior and senior.

Desir started his college career at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., playing as a redshirt freshman before transferring to Lindenwood where he intercepted 13 passes in two seasons.

Desir has been invited to play in the Jan. 18 East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla., and is considered an NFL prospect.

Sports, Pages 21 on 12/25/2013

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