Miami's Dan Morgan Named Nagurski Award National Defensive Player of the Week

Oct. 10, 2000

Dallas, TX – Miami linebacker Dan Morgan was named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week on Monday by the Football Writers Association of America.

Morgan led the Miami defense with 15 tackles, including seven unassisted in the Hurricanes’ 27-24 upset of Florida State last Saturday. He had a key interception late in the second quarter, picking off a FSU pass at the goal line to keep the Seminoles scoreless in the first half. Morgan also set up Miami’s first score by forcing a fumble on a punt return in the first quarter. He added two tackles for losses of six yards.

The Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week is selected by a panel of writers from the FWAA. The FWAA also names the best defensive player in college football at the end of the season. The recipient receives the Bronko Nagurski Trophy at a banquet which is hosted by the Charlotte Touchdown Club on Dec. 4 in Charlotte, N.C.

Mississippi State defensive end Willie Blade won the award last week with his play in the Bulldogs’ 47-35 upset of Florida. Two weeks ago, Northwestern University linebacker Kevin Bentley was named the fourth winner of the weekly defensive award after helping the Wildcats to a 47-44 double-overtime victory over Wisconsin.

In week No. 3, Washington tackle Larry Tripplett was named the winner for his performance in the Huskies’ 17-14 upset road victory at Colorado. Nebraska linebacker Carlos Polk was named the second winner for his defense in the Cornhuskers’ 27-24 overtime victory over Notre Dame.

In week one, Rice strong safety Travis Ortega, posted a career-high 15 tackles in Rice’s 30-27 overtime victory over Houston to win the award.