Sept. 26, 2000

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Northwestern University linebacker Kevin Bentley was named the fourth winner of the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week Award Tuesday by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America. Bentley is the first unanimous pick of the 2000 college football season.

Bentley, a 6-foot-1 233-pound junior, led the Wildcats with 12 total tackles (10 unassisted), including three tackles for a loss. He recovered a fumble and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. Bentley was also credited with blocking an extra point attempt in Northwestern's 47-44 double-overtime upset victory at Wisconsin.

The Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week is selected by a panel of writers from the FWAA. The FWAA also names the best defensive player in college football at the end of the season. The recipient receives the Bronko Nagurski Trophy at a banquet hosted by the Charlotte Touchdown Club on Dec. 4 in Charlotte, N.C.

In week No. 3, Washington tackle Larry Tripplett was named the winner for his performance in the Huskies' 17-14 upset road victory at Colorado. Nebraska linebacker Carlos Polk was named the second winner for his performance in the Cornhuskers' 27-24 overtime victory over Notre Dame. In week one, Rice strong safety Travis Ortega posted a career-high 15 tackles in Rice's 30-27 overtime victory over Houston to win the award.