Garvin, Quarterman Picked for Nagurski Watch List
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A pair of Hurricanes were named to the watch list for another major defensive award Tuesday – this time, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, as announced by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).
Junior defensive lineman Jonathan Garvin and senior linebacker Shaquille Quarterman– who were both named players to watch for the Chuck Bednarik Award last week – were named preseason candidates for the Nagurski.
Garvin enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore in 2018, starting all 13 games and finishing with a career-high 60 tackles. Garvin was fourth in the ACC and second on the Hurricanes with 17 tackles for loss, and he finished the year with 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and the first touchdown of his career.
Quarterman delivered a dominant 2018 campaign in the middle of Miami’s defense, starting all 13 games for the third straight year and earning first team All-ACC recognition. Quarterman ranked second on the Hurricanes with 82 tackles and added a career-best 14 tackles for loss, including six sacks.
Both players were critical to a standout Hurricanes unit that finished No. 4 in the NCAA in total defense and No. 1 in multiple categories, including tackles for loss and passing yards allowed.
The award was the second of the preseason for Garvin and third for Quarterman, who was tabbed to the Butkus Award earlier this week. Other preseason honorees and watch list selections include junior defensive back Trajan Bandy (Thorpe Award), junior offensive lineman Navaughn Donaldson (Outland Trophy), sophomore tight end Brevin Jordan (Mackey Award), redshirt senior wide receiver K.J. Osborn (Biletnikoff Award) and senior linebacker Michael Pinckney (Butkus),
Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. As in previous years, the FWAA will announce a National Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the 2019 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 20.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from those five finalists. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Nagurski Trophy finalists. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.
