Boston College Eagles linebacker Luke Kuechly has been named one of five finalists for the 2011 Bronco Nagurski Trophy, the school announced Thursday. The award, given by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club, will be presented on Dec. 12 to the national defensive player of the year.
Kuechly has 168 tackles - 30 more than anyone else in the nation - for the 3-7 Eagles, who have won two of their last three games. His 89 unassisted tackles lead the nation, and he also has 79 assisted tackles. He has reached double-digit tackles in every game this season, also contributing two interceptions, 10 tackles for loss, a pass breakup and two quarterback hurries. His double-digit tackle streak has reached 32 consecutive games, tops in the FBS.
The other finalists are Mark Barron, a free safety from Alabama, Morris Claiborne, a cornerback from LSU, Whitney Mercilus, a defensive end from Illinois, and Devon Still, a defensive tackle from Penn State.
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