Sept. 12, 2006

DALLAS (FWAA) - Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis has been named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski Defensive Player of the Week for games the week of Sept. 9.

Laurinaitis, a sophomore, had a career-best 13 tackles (one for loss), forced two fumbles and made an interception in top-ranked Ohio State's 24-7 victory over Texas in Austin. He recorded 10 unassisted tackles and a pair of game-changing plays. He forced a first-quarter fumble, which was recovered by the Buckeyes, after Texas drove to the Buckeyes' 7-yard line. He also intercepted a pass that set up an Ohio State field goal in the third quarter.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be presented to the best defensive player in college football on Dec. 4 by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.

Last season Louisville end Elvis Dumervil won the coveted Bronko Nagurski Trophy during the 11th season the FWAA has named a Defensive Player of the Year.