Three Bulldogs named to Nagurski watch list

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Posted: 5/16/08

Senior defensive tackle Jeff Owens, senior linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and junior defensive tackle Geno Atkins have been named to the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, according to an announcement by
the Football Writers Association of America.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the best defensive player in college football and is sponsored by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

Owens, a native of Sunrise, Fla., started all 13 games for the Bulldogs last year and finished with 27 tackles during Georgia's 11-2 season. Owens was also third on the team with 22 quarterback pressures.

Ellerbe, a native of Hamlet, N.C., led the Bulldogs with 93 tackles in 2007 and was tied for second with 12 tackles for loss. Ellerbe also added 4.5 sacks and snagged an interception during Georgia's 41-10 rout over No. 10 Hawai'i.

Atkins, a native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., topped his teammates last season after tallying 14.5 tackles for loss and had the second-most sacks (7.5) for the Bulldogs. Despite starting only seven of 13 games, Atkins tied for seventh on the team with 41 tackles.

- Georgia Sports Communications