University Southern California Trojans
USC's Jay Tufele, Drake Jackson, Talanoa Hufanga Named To Nagurski Trophy Watch List
July 21, 2020 | Football, Features
Three Trojans — defensive linemen Jay Tufele and Drake Jackson and safety Talanoa Hufanga — have been named to the 2020 Watch List for the Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation's top defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America in conjunction with the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
The trio last week was named to the 2020 Bednarik Award Watch List (also for the nation's top defensive player). Tufele also is on the 2020 Outland Trophy Watch List (nation's top interior lineman), while Hufanga also is on the Watch Lists for the 2020 Thorpe Award (nation's top defensive back) and Lott IMPACT Trophy (nation's top defensive impact player).
Tufele, a junior, was an All-Pac-12 first teamer in 2019 when he had 41 tackles, including 6.5 for losses, after earning Freshman All-American first team notice in 2018.
Jackson was a Freshman All-American first teamer last year when he posted 46 tackles, including 11.5 for losses (with 5.5 sacks).
Hufanga, a junior who made the All-Pac-12 second team last fall, was second on the Trojans in tackles in 2020 with 90, including 7.5 for losses.
