University of Memphis Athletics
Martin Named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watchlist
Jul 30, 2024 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis linebacker Chandler Martin was named to the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced Tuesday.
The preseason watch list features 75 defensive standouts from 56 schools in nine Division I FBS conferences plus Independents as contenders for the national defensive player of the year. Martin is one of just five players within The American to be added to the preseason watch list.
Martin, a 2023 First Team All-AAC honoree and 2024 Phil Steele Preseason All-American, was a member of last season's 10-win squad that defeated Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and held the Cyclones to zero rushing yards.
Martin started all 13 games for the Tigers a season ago and led the team with 95 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles. The Lithonia, Georgia, native added two interceptions, two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery while his tackles-for-loss total ranked 17th in the nation and his 5.1 solo stops per game ranked 18th in FBS. Martin finished second in the conference in tackles for loss and sixth in total tackles in 2023.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2024 trophy on Nov. 20 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 9 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.
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. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from the five finalists named in November. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football's Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Memphis football fans can see the Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in the team's season opener on Saturday, Aug. 31 with a four-pack of tickets that includes a parking pass for only $69. The season opener against North Alabama is the annual "901 Game," and the 901 Game Four-Pack can be purchased at THIS LINK. The cost of the 901 Game Four-Pack will increase to $89 on Aug. 1 if supplies remain.
The Pick Three Mini Plan is an additional option available that gives fans the flexibility to pick from any three Tiger home football games during the 2024 season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, starting at just $69.
To catch all of the action in the highly-anticipated 2024 Memphis Football season, fans can also purchase season tickets at GoTigersGo.com, in person at the Memphis Ticket Office or by calling the office at (901) 678-2331.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The preseason watch list features 75 defensive standouts from 56 schools in nine Division I FBS conferences plus Independents as contenders for the national defensive player of the year. Martin is one of just five players within The American to be added to the preseason watch list.
Martin, a 2023 First Team All-AAC honoree and 2024 Phil Steele Preseason All-American, was a member of last season's 10-win squad that defeated Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and held the Cyclones to zero rushing yards.
Martin started all 13 games for the Tigers a season ago and led the team with 95 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles. The Lithonia, Georgia, native added two interceptions, two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery while his tackles-for-loss total ranked 17th in the nation and his 5.1 solo stops per game ranked 18th in FBS. Martin finished second in the conference in tackles for loss and sixth in total tackles in 2023.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2024 trophy on Nov. 20 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 9 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.
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. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from the five finalists named in November. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football's Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Memphis football fans can see the Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in the team's season opener on Saturday, Aug. 31 with a four-pack of tickets that includes a parking pass for only $69. The season opener against North Alabama is the annual "901 Game," and the 901 Game Four-Pack can be purchased at THIS LINK. The cost of the 901 Game Four-Pack will increase to $89 on Aug. 1 if supplies remain.
The Pick Three Mini Plan is an additional option available that gives fans the flexibility to pick from any three Tiger home football games during the 2024 season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, starting at just $69.
To catch all of the action in the highly-anticipated 2024 Memphis Football season, fans can also purchase season tickets at GoTigersGo.com, in person at the Memphis Ticket Office or by calling the office at (901) 678-2331.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
LB
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