Each week Orlando Sports Central posts its list of top performers with ties to the Central Florida area. This week a UCF football player is recognized for being named C-USA Defensive Player of the Year, basketball players from University and Winter Park high schools have impressive outings, and a couple Florida Tuskers earn postseason awards from the United Football League.

– To nominate athletic performances for inclusion each Wednesday to the Top-5 list of Orlando Sports Central Standouts, send over an email to JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com –

1.) Bruce Miller – UCF Knights – After leading Conference USA in sacks and tackles for loss this season, Miller was rewarded as C-USA Defensive Player of the Year by league coaches on Wednesday. The junior defensive lineman ranks fifth in the nation with 12 sacks and 18^th in the nation with 16.5 tackles for loss through 12 games. Miller was part of a UCF defense that led C-USA in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, sacks and tackles for loss. The two-time conference defensive player of the week this season was also named to the All-Conference USA First Team along with teammates Jarvis Geathers, Cory Hogue and Jah Reid. Josh Burnett and Torrell Troup were named to the second team while Derrick Hallman, Brynn Harvey, Brett Hodges, Charley Hughlett and Lawrence Young were all honorable mentions.

2.) Gennelle Chatman – University Cougars – The senior forward pulled down a school-record 24 rebounds last Thursday in a lopsided win over East River. The effort topped her record-tying 18-rebound game in the district finals last year against Colonial, which helped the Cougars win their first district title in school history. Courtney Berry also had 18 rebounds in one game against Gateway in 2003. The four-year varsity player is currently averaging 13.3 rebounds a game and 7.8 points per game this season and is on pace to break the school’s career rebounding record. Chatman is also a member of UHS Student Government Association and National Honor Society.

3.) Austin Rivers – Winter Park Wildcats – The junior was named Most Valuable Player of the Rotary Tip-Off Classic last weekend as he helped lead the Wildcats to a big win in the championship game on Saturday. Rivers scored 28 points against Lake Brantley, 14 against Oak Ridge and went for 20 points and five rebounds in the finals against Winter Springs.

4.) Jim Haslett and Brooks Bollinger – Florida Tuskers – After leading the United Football League’s Florida Tuskers to a 6-0 regular season record, former NFL Coach of the Year Jim Haslett was named UFL Coach of the Year and Brooks Bollinger UFL Most Valuable Player. The Tuskers led the league in both offense and defense. Bollinger was outstanding in finishing with a league-best 1,825 yards passing, 16 touchdowns and 143 completions in an offense put together by former Arena Football League player and coach Jay Gruden.

More ––

Orlando Sports Central Standouts – 12/2/09

Orlando Sports Central Standouts – 11/25/09

Orlando Sports Central Standouts – 11/18/09

Orlando Sports Central Standouts – 11/11/09

Orlando Sports Central Standouts – 11/4/09

Orlando Sports Central Standouts – 10/28/09

Orlando Sports Central Standouts – 10/21/09

Orlando Sports Central Standouts – 10/14/09