Hopes are high for Notre Dame’s defense in 2020, especially in the case of the linebacker corps. Irish seniors Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Drew White have been named to this year’s Bronco Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The award goes to college football’s top defensive player.
Owusu-Koramoah and White tied for the team lead in tackles last season (80), and both played in every game. Owusu-Koramoah had three nine-tackle games and was named to the ESPN All-Bowl Team after recording three sacks in the Camping World Bowl. He led the Irish with 13.5 tackles for loss in 2019.
White’s 11 tackles against Michigan were a Notre Dame high for last season. He also recorded 10 tackles apiece vs. Boston College and Navy. He finished 2019 with eight tackles for loss.
The watch list for the award can change throughout the season. In the end, five finalists will compete for the right to be named the National Defensive Player of the Year. The winner will be voted on by the FWAA All-America Committee.