Tulsa’s Zaven Collins One of Five Finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –– The University of Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins was named one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, an award honoring college football's national defensive player, the Football Writer's Association of America (FWAA) and the Charlotte Touchdown Club announced today.

One of the most dynamic linebackers in the nation, Collins is the first Tulsa player to be named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. The other finalists include: Coastal Carolina defensive end Tarron Jackson, Iowa defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon, Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Kormoah and Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

A 6'4" junior from Hominy, Okla., Collins has totaled 51 tackles, 11.5 TFLs for -49 yards, 4 sacks for -25 yards, 4 interceptions, 2 TDs off INTs, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, as well as one safety. Two of his interceptions were game-clinchers, including a pickoff against No. 19 SMU that ended any possible final scoring drive for the Mustangs and his pick-6 in overtime against Tulane that he took 96 yards for the game-winning score.

Collins was named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week after his performance in Tulsa's comeback win over SMU. He totaled 6 tackles, 2 TFLs for -10 yards, one sack for -9 yards and one QB hurry to go along with his game-sealing interception.

Zaven Collins pick-6 — Zaven Collins returned 2 of his 4 interceptions for TDs this year.

Collins has also earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors once each from the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Walter Camp Foundation. He has been named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week four times this season.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football then became a star for professional football's Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org and @NCFAA on Twitter to learn more about the association.

Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.

About the Charlotte Touchdown Club
The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, N.C., region. The club's activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding citizenship, scholarship, sportsmanship, and leadership of area athletes and coaches. Since 1990, the club has raised more than $2 million to benefit area high school and collegiate athletics. For more information, contact John Rocco (704-347-2918 or jrocco@touchdownclub.com). The official website of the Charlotte Touchdown Club is touchdownclub.com.

Tulsa’s Zaven Collins One of Five Finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Players Mentioned

Zaven Collins

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