DALLAS -- The Football Writers Association of America has named BYU junior linebacker Cameron Jensen as one of 50 candidates being considered in the preseason for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. The trophy is awarded to college football's top defensive player. Jensen had a breakout season in 2004, starting all 11 games in his first season with the Cougars and leading the team in total tackles with 103, solo tackles with 49 and assisted tackles with 54. His 12.0 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries tied him for first on the team and he added two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown against UNLV. Jensen also set his career high in total tackles against the Rebels with 12.

Before coming to BYU in 2003, a redshirt season, Jensen played one year for the former Ricks Junior College where he led the team in tackles and earned all-conference honors. Following his freshman campaign he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rostov, Russia.

Jensen is an alumnus of Bountiful High School where he starred at linebacker and fullback from 1997-1999. He was named 4A state MVP his senior season after leading the Braves to an undefeated regular season where they lost in the state championship game to Weber.

The 240-pound linebacker was an unknown to those outside of the Cougars' locker room heading into last season. He thrived in current head coach Bronco Mendenhall's 3-3-5 defensive scheme that relies heavily on deception and speed. Their constant blitzing allowed Jensen to flow to the ball unmarked.

He quickly became a leader of the defense with his work ethic and humility and will take on a much greater role in the Cougars' defense this year.

The Nagurski trophy has been a staple of the FWAA's awards since 1993. The winner will be chosen from an 11-man All-America defensive team selected by the Association's All-America Committee. The trophy will be awarded Dec. 5, 2005, as five finalists will vie for the award.

The FWAA will also select a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week beginning Sept. 3 and running through the middle of November.