A trio of elite playmakers, including ball hawk Bryce Fitzgerald and veteran Ahmad Moten Sr., emerge as top contenders to anchor the Miami Hurricanes' pursuit of defensive dominance.
MIAMI, Fla. – Miami Hurricanes safety Bryce Fitzgerald, defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr., and edge rusher Damon Wilson II were named on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List on Tuesday.
The award is annually presented to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player.
Fitzgerald was a freshman last season, but delivered an immediate impact in a rotation role. He logged 16 total tackles, 10 solos and six assists, a tackle for loss, a sack, two passes broken up in eight defended, and led the Atlantic Coast Conference with six interceptions in 16 games (four starts). The Miami native was the nation’s best ball hawk.
Ahead of a sophomore campaign, Fitzgerald could see snaps at nickelback. Regardless of field position, the 18-year-old’s impact and role are expected to expand.
Moten Sr. is coming off a career season: 31 tackles for loss, 20 solos and 11 assists, nine tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in 14 games (all starts). The Fort Lauderdale native passed on the NFL Draft to return to the Coral Gables program for a redshirt senior year. Ahead of the college football season, Moten Sr. is receiving early first-round projections.
Although the Hurricanes lost top edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. to the NFL Draft, the interior still has a star presence.
Wilson II is among the 13 transfers to join “The U” ahead of spring. He played last season at Missouri and had a key role in the Tigers’ upfront unit. In 13 games, Wilson II logged 23 total tackles, nine solos and 14 assists, 9.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and a three-yard interception against Vanderbilt. He earned Second Team All-Southeastern Conference honors.
The local Venice native is looking to take advantage of Mesidor and Bain Jr.’s departure. He’s a projected starter and looking to develop under the direct leadership of defensive line coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
Each defensive player is looking to make a significant impact on the team’s success, starting in fall camp.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 19. An official presentation to the recipient of the award will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Dec. 7.
Coming off the National Championship game, the Hurricanes face great external expectations. Although it’s not the focus, a high standard surrounds the team, which can result in individual accolades.
Fitzgerald, Wilson II, and Moten Sr. are among the nation’s most prolific college football defenders. Despite the loss of stars, new ones are emerging.
