MKRob Sports

Clemson Tigers junior defensive end Da’Quan Bowers was awarded with the 2010 Bronko Nagurski Award Monday night after leading the nation in sacks with 15 1/2. The award is given to the most outstanding defensive player.

Bowers slimmed down, got serious about football and had a breakout season, even though it was filled with tragedy.

Playing with a heavy heart after the deaths this year of his father, Dennis , and close friend Gaines Adams of the Chicago Bears, Bowers burst onto the scene after two mediocre years. Along with those sacks, he had 25 tackles for loss, which ranks second in the country.

Bowers, one of the nation’s top recruits coming out of high school, had managed only four sacks in his first two college seasons.

“He’s excelled in every area,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He’s had to overcome some personal tragedy and has still been able to stay focused. He’s become the inspirational leader of our team. To see him being honored is really heartwarming for me.”

Bowers edged out Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley , Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly , Georgia linebacker Justin Houston and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson for the award.