Smith is one of 49 players on the initial list.
A junior, Smith was a first-team All-Big 12 selection by the Associated Press and a second-team pick by league coaches.
Smith totaled 40 tackles and three interceptions in 2006, a season that saw him start the first three games at corner, before moving to strong safety in a move designed to solidify the defense. He was moved back to corner in the spring.
The Nagurski winner is picked by the FWAA All-America Committee from the association's 11-man All-America defensive team in November. The Charlotte Touchdown Club will hold the 2007 banquet on Dec. 3 in Charlotte.
The FWAA will pick a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week beginning with games on Sept. 1 and carrying through mid-November.
The award is presented in memory of the former All-America lineman at Minnesota from 1927-29 and a star for professional football's Chicago Bears in the 1930s.
Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis won the 2006 award.
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