June 8, 2006

DALLAS - San Diego State junior defensive end Antwan Applewhite (Torrance, Calif./Narbonne HS) has been selected as one of 56 players named to the 2006 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The award is given to the top defensive player in college football as voted on by the 900-member Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

A year ago, Applewhite led the team in sacks with 5.5, recorded 56 tackles, recovered three fumbles and played in all 12 games on his way to earning Mountain West Conference honorable mention accolades.

"It's a great honor for Antwan to be named as one of the top defensive players in the nation, especially to be recognized before his junior season," said Aztec head coach Chuck Long. "We expect Antwan to have a great year."

Applewhite is one of nine non-seniors named to the preseason watch list and is the first Aztec so honored since linebackers Kirk Morrison and Matt McCoy in 2004.

The 2006 banquet is set for Monday, Dec. 4, at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C., where five finalists will vie for the prize.

The FWAA All-America Committee selects the Bronko Nagurski winner from the association's 11-man All-America defensive team in late November. Players may be added from the Bronko Nagurski Watch List during the course of the 2006 season.

The award, in its 14th season, is named after hall of fame member and former Chicago Bears star Bronko Nagurski. Past recipients include: Rob Waldorf (1993), Warren Sapp (1994), Pat Fitzgerald (1995 and '96), Charles Woodson (1997), Champ Bailey (1998), Corey Moore (1999), Dan Morgan (2000), Roy Williams (2001), Terrell Suggs (2002), Derrick Strait (2003), Derrick Johnson (2004) and 2005 recipient Elvis Dumervil of Louisville.