Tag: Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Georgia defender named as Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist

A UGA football defensive back is turning the heads of NFL draft scouts thanks to some of his performances this season.

Georgia Bulldogs defense back Christopher Smith has been named one of four finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Smith, a senior, has 36 total tackles, one sack, two interceptions and five pass deflections.

No defense has allowed fewer touchdowns (10) than Georgia’s. It is second in the country in scoring defense, and Christopher Smith is a big reason. He seldom gets beat deep and is a strong run defender.

Smith returned to Georgia for another season to boost his NFL draft stock and to win another national championship. Smith has certainly has helped his 2023 NFL draft stock this season.

The senior made the midseason all-riser team for the Senior Bowl. Smith and true freshman Malaki Starks have played the safety position at an elite level for Georgia this year.

Additionally, the Nagurski Trophy named Alabama defensive end Will Anderson Jr., Pittsburgh defensive end Calijah Kancey, and USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu as finalists for the award.

Will Anderson Jr. has eight sacks, an interception, and 42 tackles for Alabama. Calijah Kancey has 30 tackles and seven sacks for Pittsburgh. Tuli Tuipulotu has 11.5 sacks and 32 tackles for USC.

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BJ Ojulari named to the preseason Nagurski Trophy watch list

The Nagurski Trophy is given to the top defender in college football, regardless of position.

LSU saw another player crack an award watch list on Tuesday as edge rusher [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] was one of 85 players named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is given annually to the top defensive player in college football, regardless of position.

Ojulari enters his junior season with high expectations, and if he can stay healthy, he should be one of the best edge rushers in the SEC, if not the entire country.

After making an immediate impact in the rotation as a true freshman in 2020, Ojulari became a full-time starter last fall. He played in every game, leading the team in sacks with seven and finishing second in tackles for loss with 11.5. He’ll look to become the second LSU player to win the Nagurski Trophy, joining [autotag]Glenn Dorsey[/autotag] in 2007.

Ojulari enters his third season expected to take his play up a notch, and many see him as a potential first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Playing next to [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag] should give the Tigers one of the best edge-rushing duos in the country as the defense hopes to take a leap forward in 2022 under new defensive coordinator [autotag]Matt House[/autotag].

LSU now has three players on preseason watch lists, with Ojulari joining [autotag]Kayshon Boutte[/autotag] and [autotag]Micah Baskerville[/autotag], who are on the lists for the Biletnikoff and Butkus awards, respectively. The full 85-man list for the Nagurski Trophy can be found here.

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Rumor: Freeman has found his linebackers coach in another former Buckeye

This would be a home run hire

Marcus Freeman is still putting together his staff and it seems like he has found his next linebackers coach in former Ohio State teammate James Laurinaitis. The “Little Animal” was a two-time defense player of the year in the Big Ten, a three-time consensus All-American, along with winning the Lott Trophy, Butkus Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy.

His career was definitely decorated, playing in the NFL for 8 season as well before transitioning into the commentator booth. Freeman looks to have lured  his former Buckeye teammate back to the sidelines with him. This, in my estimation, would be another fantastic hire on Freeman’s staff that is looking like they will use their Buckeye ties to try and create what they had in Columbus during their playing tenure together.

Six Notre Dame players earn spot on Senior Bowl Watch List

Who could be headed to Mobile after the season?

The Senior Bowl always is a big deal for players who have just finished their eligibility to play college football. It often serves as a major showcase for any player hoping to get drafted by the NFL only a few months later. While we obviously have no clue who will be going to the 2022 game at this point, it’s fun to look at the players who have a chance. This year’s Senior Bowl Watch List has been released, and six Notre Dame players are on it:

Two Auburn players named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List

The trophy is given annually to the top defensive player in college football.

Two of Auburn’s top standouts on defense — K.J. Britt and Big Kat Bryant — were named to the Bronco Nagurksi Trophy Watch List, the FWAA announced on Tuesday.

Britt, the senior linebacker from Oxford, Ala., will be the leader of the group at the second level after making 69 total tackles (37 solo) with 10 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks in 2019.

Bryant, who will look to help replace the leadership of Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson in the trenches, made 16 total tackles last season as a junior along with two tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks.

The annual award goes out to the top defensive player in college football.