August 1, 2023 –
The Football Writers Association of America released its Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List for the 2023 season. Appearing on the list is Temple Owls graduate linebacker Layton Jordan. The award is symbolic of the best defensive player in the nation. It is named after Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski who dominated college football then became a standout professional for the Chicago Bears in the 1930’s.
Owls linebacker Tyler Matakevic won the award in 2016.
Jordan made a huge impact on defense setting a school-record with three defensive touchdowns in a single season. Both of his interceptions resulted in a touchdown. His pick six of 41 yards came against UMass. In the Tulsa game his defensive score was for 35 yards. Against Navy Jordan recovered a fumble in the endzone for a score.
He successfully transitioned from defensive end to outside linebacker last season. Jordan was named to the All-AAC Second Team in his first year as a starter. In his first game last season at Duke Jordan recorded a career-high 8 tackles. Over the season he made 37 solo tackles and assisted in 16 others for a total of 53. Of those tackles 18.5 resulted in 77 lost yards for the opposition. Jordan recorded a team-high 9 sacks. The resident of McKeesport, PA picked off two passes and recorded 76 total return yards. He created 3 fumbles and recovered one.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List has 94 defensive standouts from 69 schools in all 10 Division I FBS conferences. The Big Ten and SEC led the number of players on the list with 15 each. The Big 12 has 11 players while the ACC and Pac-12 listed 10.
There are 6 players from the American on the watch list. In addition to Jordan the AAC players are; Darius Hodges (DE) and Jarius Monroe (CB) of Tulane, Ridge Texada (CB) North Texas State, Trey Moore (LB) and Rashad Wisdom from UTSA.
The Nagurski Trophy winner will be named on December 4th by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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