December 4, 2007

Cavalier defensive end Chris Long fell short in his bid to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Long was one of five finalists for the honor, which ended up going to LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.

Long definitely has the credentials to be in the running for the award, boasting 75 tackles on the season, 19 for loss, and 14 sacks. He led the ACC in sacks, and was tops in the conference among defensive linemen in tackles for loss. Long also caused two fumbles, broke up seven passes, blocked a kick, had 22 quarterback pressures, and even pulled down an interception in Virginia's 22-20 win at North Carolina.

Dorsey took home the award behind his 64 tackles and six sacks, along with 11.5 tackles for loss, despite battling a knee injury late in the season. He led his Tigers to a berth in the National Championship Game. Dorsey beat out Ohio State's James Laurinaitis as well, who became the first sophomore to win the award last season.

In addition to Long, Dorsey, and Laurinaitis, Kansas's Aqib Talib and South Florida's George Selvie were the other finalists. Long continues his awards tour tomorrow night, as he travels to Houston for the Lombardi Trophy presentation.