UCF linebacker Jason Johnson is listed among the nation’s top defensive players on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Johnson was tabbed an All-AAC First Team selection in a coaches vote and by Phil Steele after starting each of the Knights’ 14 games last season. He recorded a team-high 126 tackles, ranking 31st in the country and third in the American with an even nine per game, and he wreaked havoc on the defensive side throughout the year.
The Chicago native’s 126 tackles were the most by a UCF player since 2002 and the ninth most in program history. Johnson tallied 10 or more tackles in six games last year, headlined by a season-high 15 tackles at East Carolina.
Also a standout student in the classroom, Johnson was recently tabbed the AAC Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce the finalists for the 2023 trophy on Nov. 15 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 4 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, North Carolina.