Colorado linebacker returns to full practice

Denver ” Colorado linebacker Sean Tufts took a step toward returning to action by practicing at full speed Thursday. Tufts has been out the past six games because of a severe ankle sprain. He suffered the injury in the second half of the Kansas State game Oct. 5.

“It feels really good,” Tufts said after practice. “I have been working hard to get it back in good shape, and right now I feel very comfortable.”

Brown, Griffin make cut for Doak Walker Award

Dallas ” Colorado’s Chris Brown, the nation’s leading rusher, is one of eight semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s top running back.

Penn State’s Larry Johnson, Northern Illinois’ Michael Turner, Oklahoma’s Quentin Griffin, West Virginia’s Avon Cobourne, Miami’s Willis McGahee, Kentucky’s Artose Pinner and Colorado State’s Cecil Sapp also made the cut.

Three finalists picked for Biletnikoff Award

Tallahassee, Fla. ” Seniors Nate Burleson of Nevada and Charlie Rogers of Michigan State and junior Shaun McDonald of Arizona State were chosen Thursday as finalists for the Biletnikoff Award.

Named after Florida State All-American and NFL Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff, the award goes each year to the nation’s top receiver.

Josh Reed of LSU won in 2001.

Solich says quarterback should be back today

Lincoln, Neb. ” Nebraska quarterback Jammal Lord has not practiced since the Kansas State game, but was expected back on the field today.

Neither Lord nor Nebraska football coach Frank Solich would say at Thursday’s practice what the injury was. Solich’s policy is to not discuss injuries that he doesn’t deem serious. Lord described the injury as “whatever coach said it was.”