Iowa senior Pat Angerer was named one of five finalists for the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Thursday. The award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive player, is voted on by the Football Writers Association of America.

Angerer leads Iowa with 119 tackles this season after collecting a team high 107 stops a year ago.

The senior from Bettendorf earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors in September after collecting 14 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble in the Hawkeyes’ win over Penn State.

On Nov. 5, Angerer was named a semifinalist for the 2009 Chuck Bednarik Award, which also recognizes the nation’s top defensive player.

Tennessee strong safety Eric Berry, Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody, Texas Christian defensive end Jerry Hughes, and Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh join Angerer as finalists for the Bronko Nagurski award.

The winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be announced on Dec. 7.

— by Jon Linder