DALLAS (AP) – Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley are among five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy for national defensive player of the year.
Also chosen as finalists by the Football Writers Association of America were Florida State defensive back Lamarcus Joyner, Missouri defensive end Michael Sam and Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard. The award will be presented Dec. 9.
Donald leads the country in tackles for loss with 22½, including 10 sacks.
Mosley leads No. 1 Alabama in tackles with 79 and has broken up five passes.
Joyner has 51 tackles for No. 2 Florida State, including 6½ for loss, and had forced three fumbles.
Sam has three three-sack games and scored a touchdown on a fumble return. Dennard has three interceptions and seven pass breakups.
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