Kaimon Rucker named to 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List

UNC football stand out Kaimon Rucker earned some preseason recognition on Tuesday.

North Carolina Tar Heels pass rusher Kaimon Rucker returned for another year as one of the top defensive players on the roster. Rucker has developed into one of the best pass rushers in the ACC and now he’s earning some recognition ahead of the 2024 season.

On Tuesday, Rucker was one of 75 players named to the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The watch list was released by the Football Writers Association of America, with just under a month to go until the new season.

The list features standouts from 56 schools in nine Division I FBS conferences plus Independents as contenders for the national defensive player of the year.

Rucker is coming off a 2023 season in which he finished with 15 TFL, 8.5 sacks and 12 QB pressures while starting all 13 games. He continues to get better and is hoping for another big season in 2024.

The finalists for the award will be announced on November 20th and the winner on December 9th at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet. There will also be a list released mid-season as well.

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