June 28, 2011
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona State University middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict has been named the Blue Ribbon Magazine Defensive Player of the Year for 2011. Burfict was also named a First-Team All-American by the publication.
Burfict, a 6-3, 252-pound junior from Corona, California, adds to the myriad of other accolades he has picked up this preseason, including Playboy First Team All-American and Phil Steele's First Team All- American. The linebacker led ASU in 2010 with 90 tackles, including 54 solos. He added 8.5 quarterback sacks for minus 18 yards, had three pass breakups and forced two fumbles.
In addition to Burfict's award, the Sun Devils were picked 20th in the preseason poll featured in the publication.
The 2011 season kicks off at home on Thursday, September 1 against UC Davis at 7:00 p.m. at Sun Devil Stadium/Frank Kush Field.