Marcus Dowtin
The sophomore linebacker from Upper Marlboro made a team-high nine tackles in Georgia’s 44-20 victory over Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl. Despite starting just four games this season, Dowtin, a 6-2, 220-pound middle linebacker, finished third on the team in tackles (57) and second in tackles for loss (7). Dowtin had a well-traveled high school career, playing one season each at O’Connell, Georgetown Prep and Fork Union. Another Georgia linebacker, 6-2, 223-pound reserve Akeem Hebron (Good Counsel), registered three tackles in the final three minutes.
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Larry Asante
Asante, a three-year starter at strong safety for Nebraska, had three tackles as the Huskers shut out Arizona, 33-0, in the Holiday Bowl. Asante (Hayfield) finished third in tackles (79) for a Nebraska unit that ranked No. 7 in the nation in total defense. Against Louisiana-Lafayette, Asante had the Huskers’ first interception return for a touchdown since 2002. The 6-1, 215-pounder made Big 12 honorable mention for the second straight year.
Brandon Campbell, Ryan Tillman
In a 21-17 Marshall victory over Ohio U. in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, Campbell (Friendly) and Tillman (Westfield), paved the way for freshman Martin Ward (two touchdowns) to win MVP honors. Campbell, a 6-5, 315-pound junior tackle, and Tillman, a 6-5, 275-pound sophomore guard, played side-by-side for Marshall (7-6), starting all 13 games. Tillman made the Conference USA all-freshman team last year.
