Updated at 10:52 a.m., Thursday, November 8, 2007
Ex-Waimea, Colorado star Dizon a Butkus honor finalist
Advertiser Staff
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Darla Abbatiello.
Dizon, who is expected to graduate in economics in May, is joined by Penn State's Dan Connor and Ohio State's James Laurinaitis for the honor that is named for legendary linebacker Dick Butkus and given out each year to the top linebacker in college football.
The winner will be announced in December in Orlando.
"He said, 'Mom, I don't think I'll be winner.' I said he should be proud that a Waimea boy is in the top three. To me, he's already a winner," said Abbatiello, a police officer on the Garden Island.
Dizon ranks fifth in the nation in total tackles, averaging 11.90 stops per game. Connor is No. 16 (10.50) and Laurinaitis is No. 77 (8.50).
"He's still absorbing it," Abbatiello said. "I'm happy for the people of Kaua'i."
On Wednesday, Dizon was named among 15 semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year.
