Suh Named Bronko Nagurski Trophy Finalist

Nebraska senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been named one of five finalists for the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Trophy. The award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive player and is sponsored by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America.

Joining Suh among the finalists for the award are Iowa linebacker Pat Angerer, Tennessee safety Eric Berry, Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody and TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes. The winner of the 2009 Nagurski Trophy will be announced on Dec. 7 at a banquet in Charlotte.

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.

The 6-4, 300-pound Suh has been dominant throughout the 2009 campaign, registering 56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks. He also leads the team with an impressive 19 quarterback hurries, has three blocked kicks, eight pass breakups, a fumble caused and an interception.

The dominant play by Suh has helped Nebraska become one of the nation's top defenses in 2009. The Blackshirts rank third nationally in scoring defense, are third in pass efficiency defense, 10th in total defense and 11th against the run. Nebraska has limited nine of its 10 opponents to 17 or fewer points.

The selection as a Nagurski finalist continues an impressive list of honors for Suh. He was recently named one of four finalists for the Lombardi Award, and is a semifinalist for the Lott and Bednarik trophies. He is also one of 15 "players to watch" for the Walter Camp National Player of the Year.