Tide's Will Anderson, Jr. Wins Nagurski Trophy In Back-To-Back Years

TUSCALOOSA, AL — University of Alabama standout linebacker Will Anderson Jr. was announced as the 2022 winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Thursday, becoming only the second player in the award's history to win it in consecutive seasons.

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The award, presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Charlotte Touchdown Club, is presented each year to the nation's top defensive player.

Other finalists for the annual award include Calijah Kancey of Pittsburgh, Chris Smith of Georgia and Tuli Tuipulotu of Southern Cal.

Apart from Anderson's back-to-back honors, Jonathan Allen is the only other Alabama player to win the award.

As Patch previously reported on Monday, Anderson was also named the Associated Press Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and is a finalist for the prestigious Bednarik Award, presented each year to the nation's most outstanding defensive player.

The award will be presented as part of ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Thursday, Dec. 8.

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