Oklahoma CB Strait wins Nagurski Award

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Oklahoma cornerback Derrick Strait on Monday was awarded the Bronko Nagurski Award as the best all-around defensive player in college football.

Strait became the second Oklahoma defensive back in the last three seasons to win the award. In 2001, safety Roy Williams won the honor, which is presented annually by the Football Writers Association of American and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

The 5-11, 195-pound Strait recorded 69 tackles -- third-most for the 12-1 Sooners -- and intercepted three passes for 127 return yards. The senior set Oklahoma career records for passes broken up, career starts and interception return yards.

In the Sooners' 65-13 thrashing of rival Texas on Oct. 11, Strait had 11 tackles, broke up three passes, recovered two fumbles and had an early interception.

Strait won the award over Sooners defensive tackle Tommie Harris, UCLA end Dave Ball, West Virginia linebacker Grant Wiley and Louisiana State tackle Chad Lavalais.