Arizona Wildcats linebacker Jacob Manu and cornerback Tacario Davis were named to the preseason Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list on Tuesday.
The accolade is given to the top defensive player in college football adjudged by members of the Football Writers Association of America.
Former "Desert Swarm" defensive lineman Rob Waldrop won the first-ever Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 1993, before former UA star linebacker Scooby Wright III won the award following a historic season in 2014.
Arizona’s Jacob Manu draws a bead on the quarterback as the linebackers take some rushing reps during an April 2 workout at Arizona Stadium.
Manu, a preseason All-Big 12 selection, led the Pac-12 in tackles (116) last season and was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team and Associated Press All-Pac-12 First Team. Manu was the first Wildcat to lead the Pac-12 in tackles since Scooby Wright III in 2014. Manu was also recently named a fourth-team preseason All-American by Athlon Sports.
Arizona defensive back Tacario Davis runs during spring practice on March 28 on the UA campus.
Davis, also a preseason All-Big 12 choice, grew into one of the top defensive backs nationally after leading the Pac-12 in pass breakups (16) and received an 85.9 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. He had the highest overall PFF grade (84.2) amongst UA players last year. Following the departure of former UA head coach Jedd Fisch, Davis entered the transfer portal, but returned to Arizona following the spring practice schedule.
Arizona kicks off the 2024 season against New Mexico at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
