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Bronko Nagurski Trophy Finalists

Photo – DT Nda Suh - Nebraska

Five finalists for the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Trophy were announced by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club .

Iowa linebacker Pat Angerer, Tennessee strong safety Eric Berry, Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody, Texas Christian defensive end Jerry Hughes and Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh are vying for one of the FWAA's highest honors, its National Defensive Player of the Year award.
The winner will be announced on Dec. 7 and presented the Bronko Nagurski Trophy at a gala banquet at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C., where North Carolina St coach Tom O'Brien will be the keynote speaker.
The FWAA's National Defensive Player of the Year Award is named after Bronko Nagurski, who dominated college football at Minnesota as a bruising fullback and defensive tackle from 1927-29. He could have been an All-American at any position playing 60 minutes and was the best player wherever he lined up.

Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalists, selected by the FWAA Committee

Pat Angerer, Linebacker, Iowa , 6-1, 235, Sr. (Bettendorf, Iowa): The top tackler for a 9-2 Iowa team, which won its first nine games of the season. He leads the Hawkeyes with 119 total tackles (79 assisted and 40 unassisted), two tackles for loss (one sack), five passes defended and two forced fumbles. Iowa is 17th in the country in scoring defense.

Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee , 5-11, 203, Jr. (Fairburn, Ga.): An FWAA All-American in 2008 as a sophomore, he has 70 tackles this season, 44 unassisted, 26 assisted. He has five tackles for loss, two interceptions and six passes broken up for the Volunteers under first-year coach Lane Kiffin. He also has recovered three fumbles and has three quarterback hurries.

Terrence Cody, Tackle, Alabama , 6-5, 365, Sr. (Fort Myers, Fla.): A member of the FWAA All-America team last season, he holds down the Alabama rush defense, which is second in the country. Alabama is second in the country in total defense as well. Cody blocked two field goals in victory over Tennessee, including the potential game-winner as time expired. He has 20 tackles, five for 10 yards in losses, one pass break-up and two quarterback hurries for the unbeaten Crimson Tide.

Jerry Hughes, End, Texas Christian , 6-3, 257, Sr. (Sugar Land, Texas): A Nagurski Trophy finalist for the second straight season, he is the mainstay of a TCU defense, which has led the Horned Frogs to an unbeaten season. TCU is fourth in the country in total defense and sixth in the country in rush and pass defense. Hughes has 49 tackles, 13 tackles for 73 yards in losses (10.5 sacks), one pass broken up, six quarterback hurries and one forced fumble.

Ndamukong Suh #1 Pro Prospect – Draft Insiders
Ndamukong Suh, Tackle, Nebraska , 6-4, 300, Sr. (Portland, Ore.): Leads Nebraska in tackles with 31 unassisted and 25 assisted. He has 13 tackles for 47 yards in losses (five sacks), eight pass breakups, 19 hurries, one forced fumble and three blocked kicks. Nebraska ranks 10th in the country in total defense and 11th in country in rush defense.

The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, N.C., region. The club's activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding citizenship, scholarship, sportsmanship, and leadership of area athletes and coaches. The official website of the Charlotte Touchdown Club is touchdownclub.com.
The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,100 men and women who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include gameday operations, major awards and its annual All-America team.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game's predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. For more information, visit the association's official Web site, ncfaa.org.

Walter Camp Players to Watch List

Walter Camp Foundation Announces “Players to Watch” for 2009 Player of the Year Award

Photo - RB Mark Ingram - Alabama

The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced the names of fifteen “Players to Watch” for its 2009 Player of the Year award, the fourth-oldest college football award in the nation. Last year’s recipient, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, headlines the 15-player list, which includes four quarterbacks, four running backs, four wide receivers and three defensive standouts. A list of five finalists will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 2. The 2009 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, who is voted on by the Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors, will be presented live on Thurs, Dec. 10 during ESPN Sports Center. The winner will receive his trophy at the Foundation’s annual awards banquet on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 at Yale University in New Haven.

2009 Walter Camp Player of the Year “Players to Watch”
Name / Class / Position / School
Toby Gerhart , Senior, RB, Stanford - 1,395 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns
Mardy Gilyard , Senior, WR, Cincinnati – Averaging over 180 all-purpose yardage a game
Jerry Hughes , Senior, DL, TCU – 13 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks
Mark Ingram , Soph., RB, Alabama – 1,297 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns
Case Keenum , Junior, QB, Houston – Leads nation with 4,194 passing yards and 31 TDs
Dion Lewis, Freshman, RB, Pittsburgh – 1,291 rushing yards and 13 TDs
Rolando McClain, Junior, LB, Alabama – 77 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 2 interceptions
Colt McCoy, Senior, QB, Texas – Completing 72.3% of passes for 2,792 yards and 19 TDs
Kellen Moore, Soph., QB, Boise State – Leads nation with 172.49 passing efficiency
Jacquizz Rodgers, Soph., RB, Oregon State – 1,545 rushing & receiving yards and 18 TDs
Jordan Shipley, Senior WR, Texas – 81 receptions for 1,096 yards and 8 TDs
C.J. Spiller, Senior, WR/KR, Clemson – Averaging 195.2 all-purpose yards a game
Ndamukong Suh, Senior, DT, Nebraska – 14 QB hurries, 11 tackles for loss, 8 pass breakups and 5 sacks
Golden Tate, Junior, WR, Notre Dame – 1,174 receiving yards and 14 total TDs
Tim Tebow, Senior, QB, Florida – Has passed for 10 touchdowns and rushed for 12 more

Frank Coyle is a consultant for several All-star games including the Senior Bowl. He is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc.

The winner will receive his trophy at the Foundation’s annual national awards banquet on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Yale University
Commons in New Haven. Walter Camp, “The Father of American football,” first selected an All-America team in 1889. Camp – a former Yale University athlete and football coach – is also credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and continue the tradition of selecting an annual All-America team. Visit site at www.waltercamp.org
The Walter Camp Football Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game’s predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. Visit www.ncfaa.org.

NFL Draft Prospects - Week 11
DraftInsiders.com and ProFootballDraftNetwork.com
will be collaborating on a weekly article posted mid week during the college football regular season to review the prior weeks most notable performances from a NFL Draft 2010 perspective.

Photo - Tackle Russell Okung – Oklahoma St

Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com
Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

OT Russell Okung – Senior - Oklahoma St
Athletic nimble senior left tackle has been very impressive over the past few seasons. He has moved up the charts significantly off those top efforts. He has fine size, agility and athleticism and has graded out high at the demanding left tackle spot. He uses his wingspan and footwork very effectively in pass protection, displaying the skill set to man the blindside tackle spot. He has been fully tested in the talented Big 12 and grades out high weekly vs some of the nation’s best speed rushers that has moved to the top of the charts and probable top ten prospect next spring with a big postseason. He is a big mobile kid with natural left tackle athleticism and a highly developed skill set.

QB Colt McCoy – Senior - Texas
Talented senior passer has played brilliantly again this season, showing coolness and playmaking ability in weekly pressure situations. Colt has shown well developed skills with another strong effort that includes completing 72.3% of passes for 2,792 yards and 19 TDs. He displays the talent to make all the throws with fine accuracy and timing, in addition to going through his progressions quickly. This prospect has the package NFL head coaches look for in a top flight starting QB after an extensive playing career. His accuracy is amazing both in the short and intermediate game and the ability to pick up secondary receivers well with few mistakes overall. With a big week at the Senior Bowl, he should guarantee an early selection. He was one of our elite prospects on our Senior Bowl invite list since September.

RB Dexter McCluster – Senior - Mississippi
Fast scatback set a school record with 282 rushing yards and scored four TDs as the Rebels defeated Tennessee, 42-17. He had 324 all-purpose yards while scoring on runs of 15, 23, 32 and 71 that spelled the difference in Ole Miss’s first win against Tennessee since 1983. He is dangerous in a number of roles – running back, receiver or return specialist. He is capable of hitting the home run from anywhere on the field and must be accounted for on ever down by a defensive back. He is the ultimate Wildcat performer who can line up at any skill position and make the big play. Despite his smallish size, he is the type a coach must see in a number of different roles to fully utilize his talent. He is one who can be a difference maker weekly if in the right position.

RB Jonathan Dwyer – Junior – Georgia Tech
Big physical junior running back had another strong performance in the Tech win over Duke that clinched the ACC Coastal division. He is a powerfully built back who has performed very well, displaying very strong inside running with the good burst of speed to break big plays. He is having another fine season after setting a conference high of almost 1400 rushing yards for an amazing 7 yard average per carry in 2008. He uses his powerful big frame to run over defenders, though he has the lateral quickness and speed that allows him to break into the second level and make the long gainer. He has reliable hands and has shown fast improvement as a receiver in addition to the physical talent and toughness to be a solid blocker.

LB Rolando McClain - Junior - Alabama
Athletic junior linebacker has been instrumental in the success of the top rated Bama defense over the past few seasons. He has been a highly productive defender who plays a very physical style of defense and attacks in a downhill fashion. He is a young versatile athletic backer who can play a few positions, displaying the ability to flow to the ball very well and finish with strong sure tackling. He is still a raw defender in some respects but a prospect with a blue chip label with the potential to be a special NFL player. He faces a big decision by January and needs a strong postseason at the NFL Combine to warrant a high draft selection.

Denis Krusos - Editor
Pro Football Draft Network
www.profootballdraftnetwork.com

WR Golden Tate, Junior, Notre Dame
Tate has had a brilliant junior year and continued making plays against Pitt. The Panthers defeated the Irish 27-22, but Tate was the spark to a 4th quarter comeback. His 87-yard punt return for a touchdown gave Notre Dame some hope, but the comeback fell short. Tate caught 9 passes for 113 yards (12.6 per) including an 18-yard touchdown reception. The 5 foot 11 and 195 pound true junior has played like Carolina’s, Steve Smith, this season. Tate can make the acrobatic catch downfield or turn a short completion into a big play with his running ability. The Notre Dame playmaker has a decision to make as to whether to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, but his stock is hot. If Notre Dame decides to replace Charlie Weis as its head coach then this will likely further increase the odds that Tate will turn pro early.

CB Myron Lewis, Senior, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt lost again (24-13 to Kentucky) in what has been a dismal season. Myron Lewis was a bright spot against Kentucky with an interception, a pass break-up and a pair of tackles. Lewis has excellent size and a knack for finding the football (10 career interceptions). However, the Commodores do not have much of an offense and cannot stop the run. Lewis does not have many opportunities to display his skills against teams that are trailing and forced to throw the ball. Kentucky ran all over Vanderbilt (308 yards on 58 attempts (5.3 per)). The Wildcats passed for a mere 91 yards on 7 completions in 15 attempts. They also threw 2 interceptions, but why throw the ball when you cannot be stopped on the ground. Lewis may not have the speed to play cornerback in the NFL, but he has the size and ballhawking skills to convert to safety.

DE Tyson Alualu, Senior, Cal
Cal knocked off Arizona 24-16 and Alualu had another productive game. Alualu plays defensive end in Cal’s 3-4 defense. He registered 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a key deflection of a pass late in the game. It is a testament to his intensity, motor and skills that he is so active from his 3-4 defensive end position. Alualu plays with leverage and is quick. He utilizes an effective swim move to defeat blocks. The Cal defensive lineman likely will be able to play the defensive tackle position in a 4-3. In addition, although he is smaller (6’ 2” and 295 lbs) than the typical 3-4 defensive end, he is not easy to push around. Dallas nose tackle, Jay Ratliff, is showing that undersized 3-4 defensive linemen can succeed, if they have quickness and excellent technique. Alualu should be able to play in a variety of defensive fronts.

QB Jake Locker, Junior, Washington
The Huskies’ quarterback threw 3 touchdown passes in a 48-21 defeat to Oregon State, but was not sharp. Locker completed 14 passes in 23 attempts (61%) for only 153 yards (6.7 yards per attempt). His 1 interception was a classic example of locking onto a receiver. He was sacked 4 times and did little damage with his legs. The junior quarterback has a ton of talent, but has substantial room to improve upon the finer points of playing the position. He is not yet adept at looking off the safety and has to speed up his decision making. Locker would really benefit from working with coach, Steve Sarkisian, for another year. If he decides to return to Washington and has a big senior season then Jake Locker could be the 1st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

WR Danario Alexander, Senior, Missouri
Missouri bombed Kansas State 38-12 with a bunch of big pass plays. Alexander had a huge game with 10 receptions for 200 yards and three touchdowns of 56, 16 and 80 yards. His three scoring receptions were different and illustrate Alexander’s considerable talent. Alexander on the 56-yard score used his jumping ability and height to outmaneuver the defensive back for the ball. The 16-yard touchdown was an example of a fine route that left him open in the corner of the endzone. Alexander’s 80-yard reception was a showcase of his open-field running ability and speed. The Missouri wide receiver has displayed big play ability since his true freshman year, but was slowed by a wrist and knee injury the past two seasons. He has stayed healthy this year and the production (81 receptions for 1,238 yards (15.3 per) and 11 touchdowns) is impressive. His durability has to be a concern, but tall receivers with his athleticism are coveted in the NFL.

John Mackey Award Semi Finalists

Photo - Dennis Pitta - BYU

Seniors Head Mackey Finalists

The Nassau County Sports Commission has announced eight semi-finalists for the 2009 John Mackey Award. Listed alphabetically, they are Dorin Dickerson (SR, Pittsburgh), Ed Dickson (SR, Oregon), Aaron Hernandez (JR, Florida), Anthony McCoy (SR, USC), Tony Moeaki (SR, Iowa), Dennis Pitta (SR, BYU), Kyle Rudolph (SO, Notre Dame) and Cody Slate (SR, Marshall).
BYU’s Dennis Pitta is having another fine performance as a receiver in the potent Cougar air game. Through 10 games, he has caught 46 passes for 642 yards for an impressive 14 yard average per catch and 5 TDs He was one of the blue chip tight end prospects we recommended to the Senior Bowl for this January’s premier classic all-star event.
The eight semi-finalists were determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. It consists of six seniors, one junior and one sophomore at a position that has become increasing important at both the college and pro levels.
The 2009 John Mackey Award finalists will be announced on Monday, November 23, 2009 at www.johnmackeyaward.org. The John Mackey Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game's predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. For more information, visit the association's official website, www.ncfaa.org.

2009 John Mackey Award Semi-Finalists
Player / Year / School

Dorin Dickerson - Senior - Pittsburgh
Ed Dickson - Senior - Oregon
Aaron Hernandez - Junior - Florida
Anthony McCoy - Senior - Southern Cal
Tony Moeaki - Senior - Iowa
Dennis Pitta - Senior - BYU
Kyle Rudolph - Sophomore - Notre Dame
Cody Slate - Senior - Marshall

All Time John Mackey Award Recipients
Year / Player / School

2008 - Chase Coffman - Missouri
2007 - Fred Davis - USC
2006 - Matt Spaeth - Minnesota
2005 - Marcedes Lewis - UCLA
2004 - Heath Miller - Virginia
2003 - Kellen Winslow II - Miami
2002 - Dallas Clark - Iowa
2001 - Daniel Graham - Colorado
2000 - Tim Stratton - Purdue

The Mackey Award website features all related information including the John Mackey Selection Committee, the selection process and award criteria, information on all past award recipients and a high resolution image of the award trophy available for download.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc.

Florida & ‘Bama Headed for Clash
Team of the Week - Ohio St.

Player of Week - Dexter McCluster
Ole Miss senior running back Dexter McCluster set a school record with 282 rushing yards and scored four touchdowns as the Rebels defeated Tennessee, 42-17. McCluster, who had 324 all-purpose yards, scored on runs of 15, 23, 32 and 71 yards as Ole Miss earned its first win against Tennessee since 1983 and off to their best start since 2003.

Photo – RB Dexter McCluster - Ole Miss

Team / Ranking

1. Florida (10-0) – Gators roll over SC and prep for SEC title game.

2. Alabama (10-0) – Tide won the SEC West with win over MSU and get ready for showdown with Auburn prior to Florida game in SEC title clash.

3. Texas (10-0) – Longhorns are rolling through the Big 12 each week and headed for BCS title game.

4. Cincinnati (10-0) - Bearcats are looking to go unblemished with only Illinois and Pittsburgh on the schedule.

5. Texas Christian (10-0) – Frogs hoping to get into the top four by season’s end.

6. Boise St (10-0) - Broncos keep winning and looking to earn one of the premier matchups.

7. Georgia Tech (10-1) – Tech clinched ACC division and looking to advance higher when top clubs fall.

8. Pittsburgh (9-1)- Panthers are starting to believe in themselves with their two top rivals West Virginia and Cincinnati remaining.

9. LSU (8-2) – Tigers are still a very good club despite a struggling offense.

10. Ohio St (9-2) – Buckeyes took care of Iowa and Penn St that earns them a return to the top ten rankings.

11. Oregon (8-2) – Ducks jumped on Arizona St last weekend.

12. Oklahoma St (8-2) – Cowboys may have the best offense in the nation when right.

13. Stanford (7-3) – Cardinal shocked Southern Cal and Oregon in back to back victories.

14. Wisconsin (8-2) - Badgers won a key game with win over Michigan St.

15. Iowa (9-2) – The Hawkeyes have dropped two in a row with OT loss to Ohio St.

16. Penn St (9-2) – Nittany Lions clean up on soft Indiana matchup.

17. Virginia Tech (7-3) – Tech routed Maryland.

18. Clemson (7-3) – Tigers are peaking at the right time.

19. North Carolina (7-3) – Tar Heels have won three straight over Va Tech, Duke and Miami.

20. USC (7-3) – Trojans got ambushed by Stanford on Saturday.

21. Oregon St (7-3) – Beavers jumped on Washington with a bowl bye resting on the results.

22. Miami (7-3) - Canes came up short in Chapel Hill vs NC.

23. BYU (8-2) – Cougars just got by New Mexico last week.

24. Houston (8-2) - Cougars ran out of time vs Central Florida.

25. Ole Miss (7-3) – Ole Miss earned its first win against Tennessee since 1983 and clinched bowl eligibility for the second straight year.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.

Lombardi Award Finalists

Photo - Jerry Hughes - TCU

Texas Christian defensive end Jerry Hughes was nominated as one of four finalists for the 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award. The Rotary Lombardi Award is presented to the nation's top college football lineman (offense or defense) who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi. The other finalists are Terrence Cody (Alabama), Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma) and Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska). All four seniors rank in the top three pro prospects of their position and carry a first round grade in the NFL Draft 2010 by Frank Coyle and Draft Insiders.
Hughes was also a 2008 consensus All-American and has followed that up with 10 1/2 tackles for loss with nine sacks and is fourth on the Horned Frogs with 41 tackles this fall. He was named to all Midseason All-America teams (SI.com, DrafInsiders.com, CBSSports.com, Sporting News and Phil Steele). Hughes is also one of 16 semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award and one of 20 quarterfinalists for the Lott Trophy.

Lombardi Award Finalists
DT Terrence Cody - Alabama
DE Jerry Hughes - Texas Christian
DT Gerald McCoy - Oklahoma
DT Ndaumkong Suh - Nebraska

Finalists will be in Houston for the Dec. 9 ceremony to announce the winner. Former Green Bay Packers standouts Bart Starr and Jerry Kramer will participate in the 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award ceremonies as will Vince Lombardi Jr., son of the award's namesake. The voters for the Rotary Lombardi Award consist of all head coaches of NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision teams, former winners and finalists of the Rotary Lombardi Award and selected members of the media.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc.