The Football Writers Association of America, in conjunction with Charlotte Touchdown Club named Illinois senior LB Jake Hansen to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. It is the third 2021 preseason watch list honor for Hansen and sixth of his career.
THE BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY
The trophy is awarded annually the Top Defensive Player by the Football Writers Association of America. It is named after Bronko Nagurski, who played for the University of Minnesota and the Chicago Bears.Â
Last three winners:  Zaven Collins (Tulasa), Chase Young (Ohio State), Josh Allen (Kentucky)
JAKE HANSENÂ | Nagurski Trophy WATCH LIST
- 10 career forced fumbles are tied for third-most in program history, behind only Illinois legends Simeon Rice (13) and Whitney Mercilus (11)
- 2021 Butkus preseason watch list
- 2021 Bednarik preseason watch list
- 2021 Phil Steele Preseason All-American fourth team
- 2021 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten first team
- 2021 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten second team
- 2021 PFF Preseason All-Big Ten third team
- All-Big Ten second team (media)Â
- All-Big Ten third team (coaches)Â
- #3Â tackling grade in the nation according to PFF (90.8)
- Hansen Big Ten rankings in 2020: #5 in TFLs, #8 in forced fumbles, #10 in fumble recoveries, #10 in tackles, #12 in interceptions
- 68 tackles, 10.0 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions on the season
- Matched career high and lead the team with 15 tackles at Rutgers 11/14/20, along with a sack, one interception, and one pass breakup.
- Top-graded linebacker in Power-5 the week of Nov. 13/14 by PFF (81.3)
- 2019 Butkus Award Semifinalist
- Led the nation in forced fumbles (7) and ranked fifth in fumbles recovered (3) for the 2019 season
- Tied for the Illinois lead in tackles (95) and led Illinois in solo tackles (48) in 2018
- Won team's Bruce Capel Award for courage in 2018
ILLINIÂ ONÂ WATCHÂ LISTSÂ (ASÂ OFÂ JULYÂ 27)
