LEXINGTON, Ky. ? Kentucky cornerback Trevard Lindley has been named to the watch list for the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player.

Lindley’s excellent quickness and anticipation make him an outstanding cover man. He had three interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season, leading the team in both categories, and was named third-team sophomore All-America by CollegeFootballNews.com. He also is aggressive in run support and was second on the team in tackles a year ago ? an unusual feat for a cornerback.

Lindley (Hiram, Ga.) has made his biggest plays in the biggest games:

• Game-clinching interception in win over Georgia as a freshman
• Acrobatic endzone interception plus a fumble recovery in the Music City Bowl win over Clemson
• Interception and long return on first play of the game in win over Louisville
• Interception in win over No. 1 LSU
• Career-high eight tackles and an interception that helped send the Tennessee game into overtime
• Caused a fumble and had a career-high three pass breakups in Music City Bowl triumph over Florida State

And, although he is just entering his junior season, Lindley is only four pass breakups away from tying the Kentucky career record of 27.

The Nagurski Award is selected by the Football Writers Association of America and presented by the Charlotte (N.C.) Touchdown Club.

Wildcats on the 2008 Award Watch Lists

Ronnie Lott Trophy (best defensive player/character): Jeremy Jarmon
Outland Trophy (best interior lineman): Garry Williams
Bronko Nagurski Award (best defensive player): Trevard Lindley

Interesting Quote from Coach Dungy: Indianapolis Coach Tony Dungy had an interesting quote about former Kentucky tight end Jacob Tamme and the Wildcat offense following the Colts’ first mini-camp.

“He was used at Kentucky like we use Dallas (Clark) here,” said Dungy in an article written by Michael Marot of The Associated Press. “He played a little differently coming out of school, but there are a lot of similarities with the way Kentucky’s offense is structured. That’s what we saw and what drew us to him.”