June 21, 2010
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By Leigh Torbin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF defensive lineman and preseason All-American Bruce Miller (Canton, Ga.) on Monday afternoon was named to the national Watch List for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. The prestigious award is annually presented by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club to the country's premier defensive player.
The nation's leader in both career sacks (27) and career tackles for loss (44), Miller has all ready been named to several preseason All-America teams. In fact, Miller's 27 career sacks tie Florida's Alonzo Johnson for the ninth-most ever by a FBS player in the college football-rich state of Florida, a list that includes six first round NFL Draft picks. Lindy's preseason annual listed him as Conference USA's top NFL prospect, ahead of even Heisman Trophy candidate Case Keenum of Houston.
Named the 2009 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, Miller made 13 sacks and 18 tackles for loss last year as a junior. A versatile end who also moved to tackle and played a three-technique in UCF's nickel package, Miller also was credited with seven forced hurries and three pass breakups last fall, helping the Knights lead C-USA in total defense, rushing defense, scoring defense, sack and tackles for loss. UCF was fourth in the nation last fall in rushing defense, topped only by BCS bowl participants Texas, Alabama and TCU.
He made perhaps the most pivotal play of UCF's season during an ESPN-broadcast Sunday night game against Marshall. Trailing at home to the Thundering Herd 20-14 with 2:12 to play, Miller forced Marshall quarterback Brian Anderson to fumble. Freshman All-American John Robinson recovered the ball for the Knights and Brett Hodges capped the ensuing drive with a game-winning touchdown pass to Rocky Ross with 23 seconds left to play. The emotional win helped spur on a 5-1 close to UCF's 2009 regular season and earn the team a spot in the St. Petersburg Bowl with an 8-4 record.
The Nagurski Trophy will be presented on Dec. 6 at a banquet in Charlotte, N.C. The 2009 winner was also a defensive lineman in Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh. Nagurski was a collegiate All-American at Minnesota and became a charter inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a decorated NFL career with the Chicago Bears.
Returning 17 starters from that team, UCF is a popular pick to win the C-USA East Division in 2010. The Sporting News is one of several publications which have made that choice, in the process ranking UCF No. 47 in the nation heading into the season. Miller spearheads a defense that returns most of its core after leading C-USA in total, scoring and rushing defense last fall in addition to sacks and TFLs.
To unite behind your team and receive your free Knights Rewards Card's valuable discounts, reserve your 2010 football season tickets today. Call the UCF Athletic Ticket office at (407) 823-1000 or log onto UCFAthletics.com.