College football

Jackson is ACC's top defender

By wire services
Published December 1, 2005

RALEIGH, N.C. - Maryland linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, a former Seminole High standout, was named ACC defensive player of the year and finished third in ACC player of the year voting.

Jackson, who led the ACC and finished second in Division I-A with nearly 14 tackles a game, also got 15 votes for player of the year, two behind Wake Forest tailback Chris Barclay and one behind Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick. FSU defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, a former Chamberlain standout, got one vote.

Voting was done by members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association.

Barclay also was named offensive player of the year after gaining 1,127 yards and leading the conference in rushing during the regular season for the third straight season.

"I think I'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprised," Barclay said. "It's a great honor."

He finished his career as the school's all-time leading rusher.

Jackson trailed only Jimmy Cottrell of New Mexico State in tackles per game, and his total of 137 was the best in the conference. But the Terrapins are out of the bowl picture for the second consecutive season, so some of the enjoyment in winning the defensive award was lost.

"I'm a competitor, and you want to win regardless," Jackson said. "When you know you should be winning games and you don't, it's tough. I'm honored to win, but it would be better if we were going back to a bowl."

MORE AWARDS: USC's Matt Leinart won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award given to the top senior quarterback. The other finalists were Brett Basanez of Northwestern, Kellen Clemens of Oregon, Brodie Croyle of Alabama, Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt, Drew Olson of UCLA and D.J. Shockley of Georgia.

Leinart also was among five finalists for the Walter Camp Football Foundation player of the year award. Leinart and teammate Reggie Bush are joined by Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and Texas quarterback Vince Young.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The Commander-In-Chief's Trophy was recovered Wednesday night, about 48 hours after it was believed to have been stolen, Navy officials said.

The trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the football competition between the three major service academies, was found in a storage room inside Bancroft Hall, the academy's dormitory.

"All that matters is that we found the (trophy) and it's in good hands, now," Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk said.

The 170-pound trophy was taken Monday night from the team's locker room, spokesman Scott Strasemeier said.

Left in its place was a note that read: "Before we win the football game on Saturday, we thought we would take the trophy. By the time you read this, it will be halfway to West Point," home of the U.S. Military Academy.

It appeared the theft was an Army prank, but there was no evidence except for the note. In the past, Army has stolen the goat Navy used as a mascot.

ARKANSAS: Tailback Darren McFadden had arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. He suffered a small cartilage tear during preseason drills in August.

MISSISSIPPI STATE: Running back Jerious Norwood, who gained 1,136 yards, won the Conerly Trophy as the best player in the state.

RICE: Coach Ken Hatfield resigned, one day after he said he didn't anticipate any staff changes following a 1-10 season. He said new blood was needed. Asked what had changed in his mind since Tuesday, Hatfield said, "Nothing." He was 55-78-1 in 12 seasons at Rice.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Coach Steve Spurrier has fired running backs coach Madre Hill. South Carolina ranked 110th in the country in rushing offense, averaging 90.9 yards per game. ... Tyrone Nix was promoted to assistant head coach.

[Last modified December 1, 2005, 01:08:09]