Zack Sanchez
Oct 18, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Curry Sexton (14) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Zack Sanchez (15) during the game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The junior cornerback is another of the Sooner players up for three national awards this season. Sanchez was a nearly unanimous selection to the All-Big 12 First Team last season.
Bednarik Award – This national honor goes to the Defensive Player of the Year in college football. The Bednarik Award is named after Chuck Bednarik, a member of the College Hall of Fame and a two-way NFL player and Hall of Famer with the Philadelphia Eagles. Former OU linebacker and All-American Teddy Lehman won this award in 2003.
Nagurski Award – Created by the Football Writers Association of America, the Bronko Nagurski Award is given by the Charlotte Touchdown Club to the best defensive player in college football. Sooner linebacker Dominique Alexander is also on the watch list for this award in 2015. Roy Williams (2001) and Derrick Strait (2003) are previous winners from Oklahoma.
Jim Thorpe Award – This national award goes to the best defensive back in college football. Created in 1986, the Thorpe Award. Past Sooners to win the award: Ricky Dixon (1987), Roy Williams (2001) and Derrick Strait (2003).
Next: Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard