Colorado senior linebacker Jordon Dizon, a 2004 Waimea High graduate, has been named the Big 12 Conference's Defensive Player of the Year by the conference coaches.

"It's an honor, it definitely is," Dizon said. "There are a lot of tangibles that go on behind this. I have to thank my coaches (head coach Dan Hawkins and linebackers coach Brian Cabral). I have to thank my D-line, Brandon Nicolas and George Hypolite, because without both of them none of this would have been possible."

Dizon is the first Colorado player to receive the honor.

"He is very deserving," Hawkins said. "Good things happen to good people and he is one of those guys. He has had a tremendous season; he's played very well and been very productive."

Dizon, who made 18 tackles (14 solo) in Friday's 65-51 win over Nebraska, leads the nation with 8.92 solo tackles per game and is second in overall tackles with 12.42 per game.

"He has been very consistent and very solid," Hawkins said. "He's a very humble guy, he plays hurt, great leader."