ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – Senior linebacker Shaquem Griffin has been named to the 2017 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, as announced by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Thursday morning.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from five finalists, announced on Nov. 16. The FWAA committee are tasked with selecting the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993 and in 1995 they named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, before becoming a star for professional football's Chicago Bears in the 1930s.
Griffin is one of 103 defensive standouts from all 10 Division I FBS conference to earn a spot on the preseason watch list.
After moving from defensive back to outside linebacker for his junior campaign, Griffin found success in 2016, leading the Knights with 20.0 tackles-for-loss and 11.5 sacks, which is the sixth most in a single season in UCF history.
Totaling 92 tackles, ranking 12th in the nation in sacks and 13th in tackles-for-loss, Griffin was named the 2016 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Griffin will help kickoff the 2017 season when he takes part in The American Media Days July 17 and 18 in Newport, R.I.
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The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is just around the corner. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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