Sophomore cornerback Tyrann Mathieu was named Wednesday one of five finalists for the Walter Camp National Player of the Year Award.
Mathieu is the only defensive player among the finalists. He joins Baylor junior quarterback Robert Griffin III, Houston senior quarterback Case Keenum, Stanford junior quarterback Andrew Luck and Alabama junior running back Trent Richardson.
The New Orleans native has earned Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week honors twice this season and leads LSU in tackles with 66. He ranks second in the nation with six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Mathieu has also intercepted two passes and recorded 1.5 sacks. He has scored three touchdowns this year — a 92-yard punt return against Arkansas, a 3-yard fumble return against Oregon and a 23-yard fumble return against Kentucky. Both fumble returns were results of his forced fumbles.
The Walter Camp Player of the Year will be announced Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.
 
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Contact Hunter Paniagua at [email protected]