BOULDER — After becoming the first Colorado player to be named Big 12 defensive player of the year by the league’s coaches, senior linebacker Jordon Dizon took time Tuesday to reflect on his accomplishments.
“It means a lot,” Dizon said. “I played against a lot of those coaches for the last four years. It’s awesome that they showed that respect toward me.”
Undersized for his position at 6-feet and 220 pounds, Dizon was joined on the coaches’ all-Big 12 first team by senior cornerback Terrence Wheatley and junior defensive tackle George Hypolite.
A native Hawaiian, Dizon is also a finalist for the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s top linebacker. Dizon was recruited to CU as a fullback but was switched to linebacker during his first week on campus and quickly moved into the starting lineup. Good move. He earned 2004 Big 12 defensive freshman of the year honors.
Unlike some schools, CU determines tackles after grading the game film on Sunday. Dizon leads the nation with 160 tackles. He also intercepted two passes and recorded 11 tackles for losses, including four sacks.
“The guy has a relentless motor,” CU coach Dan Hawkins said.
Senior offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus was named to the all-Big 12 second team. Running back Hugh Charles, place-kicker Kevin Eberhart, offensive guard Edwin Harrison, defensive tackle Brandon Nicolas and Wheatley (as a returner on special teams) received honorable mention.
Footnotes. Colorado plans 17 bowl practices beginning with a workout Saturday. The Buffs might not know where they’re headed until Sunday’s official announcement, but it will be the Dec. 28 Texas Bowl in Houston; the Dec. 30 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La.; or the Dec. 31 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Ariz. “Anywhere warm, someplace where I can wear my slippers (flip- flops) and not freeze my toes off,” said Dizon, when asked his preference. Wheatley, who missed the final two games of the season with a foot injury, said he will return to full-speed workouts early next week. Gary Pinkel of Missouri and Mark Mangino of Kansas were named co-coaches of the year in voting by the media.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
