Two Utah Utes On Watchlist For Bronko Nagurski Trophy

SALT LAKE CITY – Two Utah Utes have been named to the watchlist for the Bronko Nagurski trophy ahead of the 2023 college football season.

The Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the nation’s best defensive player.

Bronko Nagurski watchlist ☑️@JuniorTafuna45 | @Cole_bishop_8 https://t.co/osdkpqZXE5 pic.twitter.com/oWqdmjmGOb

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 1, 2023

Safety Cole Bishop and defensive tackle Junior Tafuna were the two Utes put on the watchlist.

Will Anderson Jr. was the Nagurski trophy winner in 2022 and 2021. He went on to be selected by the Houston Texans with the third pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Ninety-four standout defenders featured on 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, as selected by @TheFWAA: https://t.co/ZaDPnrPTzy pic.twitter.com/UIUlGl0Nk8

— Nagurski Trophy (@NagurskiTrophy) August 1, 2023

Cole Bishop

Bishop has played in 24 games at Utah with 19 starts. In 2022, Bishop was Pac-12 All-Conference Honorable Mention and posted 83 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and one interception. Bishop ranks second among Pac-12 secondary players in tackles per game.

Junior Tafuna

Tafuna has played in 27 games at Utah with 25 consecutive starts. In 2022, Tafuna earned All-Pac-12 second-team after posting 27 tackles (3.5 TFL, 1.0 sack), an interception, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.

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Chandler Holt is a Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerHoltKSL or on Threads @chandlerho1t.

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