Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins won the 2020 Bronko Nagurski Award, the school announced Wednesday.
Collins becomes the first Golden Hurricane player to win the award, which honors the nation's top college defensive player.
"I'm honored and blessed to receive the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. It's awe-inspiring to be mentioned in the same breath as Bronko Nagurski and the many great players who won this award before me," Collins said. "I'm so thankful for this honor and for all the people who have put me in this position - my family, coaches, teammates, and fan base. I can't thank the coaching staff and my teammates enough."
On Thursday, Collins declared for the NFL draft. He won't play in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 31.
Collins, who was also named AAC Defensive Player of the Year this season, racked up 54 tackles, four sacks, four interceptions (two of which were returned for a touchdown), and one forced fumble over eight games in 2020.
Coastal Carolina defensive end Tarron Jackson, Iowa defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon, Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II were the other finalists for this year's award.
Former Ohio State star Chase Young won the honor last year.
