DALLAS (AP) — Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley and Florida State defensive back Lamarcus Joyner 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 Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Missouri defensive end Michael Sam and Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard. The award will be presented Dec. 9.
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 612 for loss, and had forced three fumbles.
Donald leads the country in tackles for loss with 2212, including 10 sacks. Sam has three three-sack games and scored a touchdown on a fumble return. Dennard has three interceptions and seven pass breakups.
