Junior cornerback Morris Claiborne was named a semifinalist Wednesday for the 2011 Walter Camp Player of the Year award.
Claiborne is one of just two defensive players on the 15-player watch list. He and Alabama junior running back Trent Richardson are the only Southeastern Conference representatives.
“[This news] couldn’t come to a more deserving guy and a great leader on our team,” LSU coach Les Miles said.
Claiborne leads the Tigers with four interceptions, including one in LSU’s crucial 9-6 victory Nov. 5 against Alabama and two in the Tigers’ 19-6 win Sept. 15 against Mississippi State. He also leads LSU with 128 interception return yards and is fifth on the team in solo tackles with 22.
The top five teams in the BCS standings all have at least one player representative among the semifinalists. A list of five finalists will be announced Wednesday, Nov. 30.
The winner, which will be announced Thursday, Dec. 8, is voted on by the Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors.
 
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