Best Defender: Challenge to Win the Nagurski Trophy

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As the college football season approaches, watch lists are coming out, bearing the names of players considered likely to win awards. Of these awards, one of the most prestigious is the Nagurski Trophy, annually bestowed upon the best defensive player in the college ranks.

First awarded in 1993, the trophy is named for legendary Bronko Nagurski who played fullback and defensive tackle at the University of Minnesota before entering the NFL and playing for the Chicago Bears. He has the unique distinction of being in the inaugural classes of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

This year's watch list features a who's who of the top collegiate defenders, including last year's winner, Xavier Watts from Notre Dame, who could become the third player to win the award more than once.

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With seven winners of the Nagurski, the Atlantic Coast Conference leads the way. The Southeastern Conference is in second place with six winners, followed by the Big Ten Conference and the Big 12 Conference, which both have five winners. Three winners came from the Pac-12 Conference, two from the American Athletic Conference and one from the former Big East Conference. Finally, independent Notre Dame has produced two.

In an article published before the official release of the Nagusrski watch list, College Football Dawgs highlighted five players considered candidates to be on the list and happened to name three of the players who made the official list.

From the official list, available here, the following five players are among those most likely to hear their names called at the award ceremony on Dec. 9 in Charlotte, N.C.

James Pearce, Tennessee, Defensive End

Arguably the top defender in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Charlotte, N.C. native has the athletic ability and explosiveness that teams look for in edge defenders. A ball-seeking missile who closes quickly to make tackles in the backfield, Pearce can drop into coverage as needed. He can attack the line of scrimmage and win against blockers in various ways to wreak havoc in the backfield. He has impressive instincts to time the snap and quickly attack. Last season, Pearce began to establish himself as an elite defender, registering 28 tackles, 14.5 were for a loss and 10 sacks. He also forced 2 fumbles, hurried the quarterback 16 times and recorded an interception that he returned for a touchdown. His 10 sacks tied him for the lead in the SEC. He was also the highest-graded defensive end in the conference according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) with a 90.9 overall rating. Donning jersey number 27, Pearce is poised to terrorize opposing offenses this season as he continues his path to the NFL.

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Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon, Cornerback

One of the top cornerbacks in the country, Muhammad had a breakout season in 2023 as he helped the Washington Huskies reach the national title game. As a corner, he has the versatility to play on the outside or in the slot and the ability to blanket opposing receivers. He has elite intangibles such as instincts and football IQ which, paired with his excellent technique, make him a problem for opposing offenses. He remains disciplined and can read and mirror opposing receivers quickly and effectively. Muhammad does a great job not only staying with his receiver but also using the sidelines to his advantage. He high-points the ball to create turnovers or break up pass attempts. Last season he had 3 interceptions and 16 breakups patrolling the secondary for the Huskies. The 2024 season sees Muhammad take his talents to the Oregon Ducks as they begin their B1G journey. With elite receivers in the conference, Muhammad is ready to face all challenges.

Jason Henderson, Old Dominion, Linebacker

A tackling machine for the Monarchs of Old Dominion, Henderson led the country in tackles in 2022 with 179 and followed that up with 167 last season, which was second in the country. He's a high-energy player who plays through the whistle and has shown himself to be a leader on the field. Henderson has the elite instincts to find the ball carrier and make the tackle. He's able to line up as an outside or inside linebacker and shows the ability to not only read and react to the play but to effectively make the pre-snap adjustments for the defense. He has great agility and the sideline-to-sideline range that coaches look for in their linebackers, and he consistently takes the right angles to pursue the ball carrier. After coming up just short of the Football Bowl Subdivision record for tackles in 2022, Henderson might be the one to surpass the record in 2024. One thing is for certain: Old Dominion fans and fans of defenses in general will enjoy watching Henderson through the season.

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Malachi Moore, Alabama, Safety

Already one of the top safeties in the country, Moore should make another step forward this season under new coach Kalen DeBoer. He's a versatile defender who can play anywhere in the secondary. Against the run, he's instinctual and plays physically, taking the proper angles after reading and reacting to the play. Against the pass, he shows the ability to cover ground and tracks the ball well with good instincts to disrupt pass attempts. Last season, Moore recorded 52 tackles with an interception and 5 pass breakups. He earned the respect of his team last season and was named a team captain. Entering a new season with the Crimson Tide, hopes are sky-high for Moore.

Ashton Gillotte, Louisville, Defensive End

A force on the defensive line who was key to the Cardinals' surprise run in 2023. Gillotte has improved each year he's been on the field for Louisville, from 19 tackles as a freshman to his career season in 2023 with 45 tackles and an ACC-leading 11 sacks. He's a versatile defender who can line up along the edge and the interior of the defensive line. He plays physically on the line and shows the instinct to counter blockers in various ways. He is a high-motor player who plays through the whistle and uses violent hands when engaging blockers and shedding the initial blocker to get to the quarterback. Building on year-to-year improvement, the 2024 season will likely be Gillote's best yet. In year two under head coach Jeff Brohm, Gillotte's performance will be vital for the Cardinals to excel.

Quest for the Nagurski Trophy

These are only five players on a list of highly talented defenders. As the games are contested on the gridiron, the identity of the nation's top defender will be determined.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs throughout the season.