DALLAS – San Diego State sophomore defensive tackle Cameron Thomas was named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Charlotte Touchdown Club announced Tuesday. Thomas is one of 98 on the initial list for the Nagurski Trophy, which goes out to the national defensive player of the year.
It is the second preseason watch list for Thomas, who also received recognition as the defensive player of the year for the Chuck Bednarik Award, along with teammate Tariq Thompson. Thomas (Carlsbad HS/Carlsbad, Calif.) has also been named a preseason all-MW selection by Athlon Sports, Phil Steele Magazine and College Football News. He's also been rated as the second-best player in the MW and SDSU's best defensive player by CFN, and one of San Diego State's five-best returning players by ESPN.
Thomas had 49 tackles a year ago as a redshirt freshman, including 9.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two pass breakups and 13 quarterback hurries. Thomas racked up numerous postseason awards in 2019, including freshman second-team All-America accolades from The Athletic and first-team all-MW honors. Thomas, who was the only freshman on the all-MW first team (offense or defense), also was chosen as San Diego State's defensive lineman of the year and shared outstanding freshman accolades with Jesse Matthews.
Last season, Thomas helped the Aztecs to a 10-3 record, the program's fourth double-digit win campaign over the last five years. SDSU led the Mountain West in 2019 in scoring defense (12.7, 2nd in FBS), rush defense (75.4, 2nd in FBS), total defense (287.8, 5th in FBS) and defensive pass efficiency (110.25, 6th in FBS).
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 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.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the 2020 Bronko Nagurski Trophy later in the year. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.
Cameron Thomas Named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List
