Gabe Nyenhuis also named Defensive Player of the Year

Another Talons award for the season announced last night:

TULSA- Tulsa Talon’s defensive lineman Gabe Nyenhuis has been awarded the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year. Nyenhuis pressured quarterbacks all season long, threatening the offensive linemen who couldn’t hold back the 270 pound, 6-foot-3 player.

In the Talons’ first season in the AFL, Nyenhuis’ experience proved vital for the new team. The Colorado graduate spent two years with the Philadelphia Soul (2007-8) before moving to Tulsa in the revamped AFL. This season Nyenhuis led the AFL in sacks (15.5) and tackles for loss (13). The lineman won Defensive Player of the Week in mid-season for an outstanding game against Oklahoma City. His statistics would only get better.

Nyenhuis ended the season with 21 unassisted and 11 assisted tackles, four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and nine forced fumbles. Thanks to Nyenhuis’ leadership on defense, the Talons ended their season as the Southwest Division Champions and a host in the playoffs.

Nyenhuis was also awarded the league’s Lineman of the Year honor earlier this week.