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USF's Allen Earns National Defensive Honor

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 11, 2007

TAMPA - University of South Florida sophomore free safety Nate Allen added another honor Tuesday, when he was named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week.

Allen, who was named Big East Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, was chosen from among 11 national finalists to win the FWAA award.

In Saturday's 26-23 upset of Auburn, Allen had an interception, recovered a fumble and caused a fumble in the Bulls' 26-23 overtime victory. Allen also had seven tackles, including six unassisted, and broke up a pass.

''The win was big for the team,'' Allen said. ''The defense we played our assignments, stuck in there, kept our heads up and didn't get frustrated.

''We just have to get working and keep going. This isn't the end of the season. We have to get focused on keep going.''

Allen will be added to the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be presented to the best defensive player in college football on Dec. 3 by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.

Allen is the second Bull to earn national defensive player of the week honors in USF's last four games. DE George Selvie won the honor after last year's win at No. 7 West Virginia.

After two games, Allen is tied for third nationally with two interceptions.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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