Four Noles Named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List

Four Florida State players got to see their names on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list on Thursday morning.

FSU safety Derwin James, cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and defensive end Josh Sweat all made the list for the award that goes to the nation’s best defensive player. The award given by the FWAA and Charlotte Touchdown Club has been in existence since 1993, but no FSU player has ever won the award.

James, a redshirt sophomore, is coming off an injury-shortened 2016 campaign, but did everything for FSU in 2015 as a true freshman. That year, he ranked in the top three for FSU in solo tackles, total tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles.

McFadden, a junior, led the nation in interceptions a season ago with eight en route to being named the Jack Tatum Award winner and a first-team All-American by FWAA. McFadden also finished with 20 tackles, including three for loss last season.

Nnadi, a senior, became a dominant force on the interior as the season went on in 2016. Nnadi finished the year with 49 total stops, 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.

Despite fighting through injury, Sweat finished with 41 total tackles, including 11 for loss and 7.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2016. Sweat is expected to move to the strong side this season.

For three of the Seminoles to make the watch list, it is not their first this offseason. James was previously named to the Maxwell and Bednarik Award watch lists. Nnadi was named to the Outland Trophy and Bednarik Award watch lists. McFadden was previous named to the Bednarik watch list.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson