Nagurski Watch List = Three Canes
July 8, 2011
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Hurricanes Ray Ray Armstrong, Marcus Forston and Sean Spence have been added to the 2011 watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded each year to college football’s top defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. Miami ranks second in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) on the list with three players chosen.
Armstrong enters his junior season after recording the third most tackles on the team (79) in 2010. The defensive back tied for first on the team in interceptions last year with three and recorded 4.5 tackles for loss, a team-high for defensive backs. In addition to this most recent selection, Armstrong was also named to the Bednarik Award watch list earlier this week.
Forston enters his junior year after recording 37 tackles including 12 tackles for loss (second-most on the team), three quarterback sacks and an interception in 2010. The defensive lineman has been recognized by the FWAA several times before. In 2008 he was named to the FWAA Freshmen All-American First Team, and earlier today, he was included on the 2011 Outland Trophy preseason watch list.
Spence enters his senior season with several honors to his name including the 2008 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. The linebacker finished the 2010 season ranked fifth in the ACC in tackles with 111. He also led the team in tackles for loss with 16, which was also fourth best in the conference. Alongside Armstrong, the senior was also listed on the Bednarik Award watch list earlier this week.
If selected, Armstrong, Forston or Spence would become the third Hurricane to receive the award behind Dan Morgan (2000) and Warren Sapp (1994). Should a Cane be crowed, Miami would become the outright NCAA leader in Nagurski Trophy recipients with three. Currently, Miami is tied for first with University of Texas, Northwestern University and Oklahoma for most all-time Nagurski Trophy winners with two each.
The Nagurski Trophy has been presented annually since 1993 by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the FWAA. It bears the name of University of Minnesota tackle, fullback, defensive end, offensive end, linebacker and passer, Bronislau “Bronko” Nagurski. He was a consensus All-America selection in 1929 at both defensive tackle and fullback, the only man ever to be picked for the honor at two positions.
The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet will be on Dec. 12 at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.
The highly anticipated 2011 Miami football season begins Sept. 5 at Maryland. For season tickets call 1-800-Go-Canes or purchase online through HurricaneSports.com.
Other Preseason Honors
Forston & Washington on Outland
Benjamin On Watch List for National Best WR
Spence & Armsrtrong on Bednarik List
Spence No. 59 on Rivals 100
Washington No. 85 on Rivals 100
Miller & Benjamin on Special Team Watch List
Armstrong & 5 Others On Lindy’s All ACC Team
