South Florida's Allen is Nagurski National Player of the Week

DALLAS (FWAA) - South Florida free safety Nate Allen has been named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week for games of the weekend of Sept. 8.

Allen, 6-2, 200-pound sophomore from Cape Coral, Fla., led a South Florida defense that forced five turnovers in the Bulls' 26-23 overtime victory at Auburn. Allen had a hand in three of the turnovers. He intercepted a pass in the second quarter, recovered a fumble on the Tigers' opening drive of the third quarter and forced a fumble later in the third quarter. He added seven tackles (six unassisted) and a pass breakup.

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.

Each week during the 2007 season the FWAA All- America Committee will select a national defensive player of the week from nominations made by the 11 Division I Bowl Subdivision Conferences and major independents.

Last season Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis won the coveted Bronko Nagurski Trophy during the 12th season the FWAA has named a Defensive Player of the Year.