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CITY (VCSUVikings)- Valley City State linebacker Nicholas McBeain has been named a nominee for the Cliff Harris Award, which recognizes the best small college defensive player in the nation.

A native of Shakopee, Minn., McBeain is one of 33 NAIA players nominated for the award. The award also encompasses nominees from NCAA Division II and III. Finalists for the award will be announced Dec. 17, with the winner being announced Dec. 24.

The all-time leading tackler in VCSU history, McBeain posted a school-record 188 tackles this season and led the NAIA in tackles per game (18.8). He broke five different season and career tackle records at VCSU during the 2016 season. His 446 career tackles are 80 more than the second best career total in Viking football history.

McBeain was named 1st Team All Conference this season and has earned All Conference awards each of his three seasons at VCSU.