We learned earlier this week that three defensive players from the Michigan Wolverines and two standouts from the Michigan State Spartans were listed among the 90 players on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given annually the nation’s top defensive player from the Maxwell Football Club.
The three Michigan players – Jourdan Lewis, Jabrill Peppers and Chris Wormley – and MSU’s Riley Bullough and Malik McDowell on Friday were also named to the ‘Bronko Nagurski Trophy’ watch list. The award has the same honor of being recognized as the best American defensive collegiate player, but is presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club as well as the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).
Michigan's Jourdan Lewis, Jabrill Peppers, and Chris Wormley make the list. 13 B1G players total. https://t.co/PRverVMQse
— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) July 8, 2016
Riley Bullough, Malik McDowell on Nagurski Trophy Watch List (def. player of the year) – https://t.co/37O88nEfmP pic.twitter.com/VoFUo1K8yW
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) July 8, 2016
The Nagurski Trophy has been awarded since 1993 and is named after former football player Bronko Nagurski, who played collegiately at the University of Minnesota and professionally for the Chicago Bears.
Former Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich took home the award in 2015.
