Morgan Wins Bronko Nagurksi Trophy
Dec. 4, 2000
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) — – University of Miami linebacker Dan Morgan was selected the recipient of the 2000 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte (NC) Touchdown Club. The Trophy recognizes the National Defensive Player of the Year in college football, regardless of position.
Morgan a 6-3, 245-pound senior from Coral Springs, was given the Trophy at a gala banquet held at the Charlotte Adam’s Mark Hotel. CNN sports anchor Fred Hickman emceed the affair with South Carolina head football coach Lou Holtz as guest speaker. Morgan joins Warren Sapp (1994) as the only two Hurricanes to win Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
“I would like to thank everyone at the University of Miami, especially my teammates and coaches,” said Morgan. “I could not have accomplished anything without their support. This award represents a lot of hard work by both my teammates and myself. I also want to thank (Athletic Director) Paul Dee and (Head Coach) Butch Davis and (Linebackers Coach) Vernon Hargreaves. It is a great honor and I am proud to receive it on behalf of my team.”
The BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American was chosen over four other finalists: California end Andre Carter, Missouri end Justin Smith, N.C. State linebacker Levar Fisher and Tennessee tackle John Henderson.
Morgan has recently been named a first-team All-American by the FWAA, as well as Football News, The Sporting News and Walter Camp Football Foundation. He was also a unanimous selection for 2000 BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year honors, as well as making his third straight appearance on the All-BIG EAST team. Earlier this season, Morgan was named the Bronko Nagurski Defensive Player of the Week after recording 17 tackles, 14 solo, one interception and one fumble recovery in Miami’s 27-24 win over Florida State at the Orange Bowl.
Morgan is also a finalist for the Butkus and Bednarik defensive awards, along with Football News Defensive Player of the Year.
Morgan established a BIG EAST career record for tackles, finishing with 532 (309 solo) during his four seasons with the Hurricanes. He led the conference with 138 stops in 2000, including 92 solo. He averaged 12.5 tackles per game and has been rated among the national leaders all season. Morgan also contributed 15 tackles for loss and five sacks. Additionally, he is the first Miami player to record 100 tackles or more in four consecutive seasons.
The 2000 BIG EAST Champion Miami Hurricanes finished the regular season with a 10-1 mark and an undefeated 7-0 record in conference play. Miami finished the regular season ranked No. 2 in both the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Coaches polls for the final five weeks. The Hurricanes will play state-rival and SEC Champion Florida in the 2001 Nokia Sugar Bowl on Tuesday, January 2 at the Louisiana Superdome.
For ticket information for the 2001 Nokia Sugar Bowl, check out the University of Miami athletic website at www.hurricanesports.com or call 1-800 GO CANES.
