Josh Allen Among Five Finalists for Bronko Nagurski Trophy
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky senior linebacker Josh Allen has been named one of the five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy awarded to the nation’s top defensive player, it was announced today by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
Allen, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound linebacker from Montclair, New Jersey, has been a terror on defense the entire season as he leads the Southeastern Conference and ranks third nationally in sacks (11.0) and leads the league and ranks 11th nationally in tackles for loss (15.5). He also ranks second nationally in forced fumbles (five).
Interesting Allen notes:
- On verge of UK career records for sacks with 25.5 … Needs just a half sack (.5) to tie Oliver Barnett as UK’s sack leader (26 from 1986-89)
- On verge of UK single-season sacks record with 11.0 … Needs one sack to tie Dennis Johnson (12 in 2001)
- Helped lead UK to (as this was written) its best record in 34 years
- First-Team Mid-Season All-America by The Associated Press, ESPN.com, Pro Football Focus and The Athletic
- Four-time SEC Defensive Player of the Week this season, including two wins he clinched with a sack, fumble, and UK recovery on the final possession
- Current semifinalist for the Bednarik Award (National Defensive Player of the Year), Butkus Award (National Linebacker of the Year) and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award; current quarterfinalist for Lott IMPACT Trophy as National Defensive Player of the Year
- 65 total tackles, five QB hurries, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries
- Needs 3.5 more sacks to break into the SEC top 10 list for career sacks
- Nine of his 11 sacks have come in the second half, including six in the fourth quarter and three in the third
The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet, presented by ACN, will be held on Monday, Dec. 3 at the Charlotte Convention Center. In addition to the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner’s announcement, the banquet will also celebrate the recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Legends Award, sponsored by the Rolle Oral & Facial Surgery. Ohio State’s Tom Cousineau, a member of the FWAA’s 1977 All-America team and a College Football Hall of Famer, will be honored. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will be the keynote speaker at the banquet.
The other finalists are: Michigan linebacker Devin Bush, LSU safety Grant Delpit, Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and Alabama nose guard Quinnen Williams.
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