OU's Smith is candidate for Nagurski Trophy

Oklahoma cornerback Reggie Smith has been named to watch list for the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually to the best defensive player in college football by the Football Writers Association of America.

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.