Talib Named Nagurski Trophy Finalist

Nov. 15, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas junior cornerback back Aqib Talib has been named one of five finalists for the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the best defensive player in college football, by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club Thursday.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

Also vying for the honor with Talib are <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>OhioState linebacker James Laurinaitis, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, Virginia defensive end Chris Long and South Florida defensive end George Selvie.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 3 and presented the Bronko Nagurski Trophy at a gala banquet at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C., where Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer will give the keynote address.

On Tuesday, Talib was named as one of 15 players to the Walter Camp College Player of the Year Watch list. He is also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.

Talib, a 6-2, 205-pound junior from Richardson, Texas, leads the Big 12 and is tied fifth nationally in passes defended with 16. He has 48 tackles (31 unassisted), 3.5 tackles for a loss, four interceptions (135 return yards) and 11 pass break-ups for the third-ranked Jayhawks. He returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against Florida International on Sept. 22 and received Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors following KU’s win over OklahomaState last Saturday.

Talib has also seen action on the offensive side of the ball this year, recording eight receptions for 182 yards and four touchdowns.

Third-ranked Kansas (10-0, 6-0 Big 12) will play host to IowaState this Saturday in a game that will be televised on ABC. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.