On Tuesday, the Penn State junior defensive end [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] was named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list.
Carter was one of 76 defensive stars to make the preseason list for national defensive player of the year. He is making the switch from linebacker to defensive end, which could help him gain more counting statistics like sacks and tackles for loss.
In 2023, Carter notched 48 tackles (25 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception, five pass breakups and five QB hurries.
Related: James Franklin plays down Abdul Carter’s position change at Big Ten media days
Other notable names joining Carter on the watchlist include Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, Georgia safety Malaki Starks, Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, Denzel Burke, JT Tuimoloau, Michigan’s Will Johnson and Colorado’s Travis Hunter.
It is safe to say that the Big Ten is filled with top-tier defensive players and that the Nagurski Trophy could easily come from the conference.
The Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy on November 2 and unveil the winner on December 9.
Watch List — @NagurskiTrophy
College Football’s Best Defensive Player#WeAre x @1NCRDB1 pic.twitter.com/5J5mlC36wQ
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) July 30, 2024