Temple football’s success this season continues, but this time off the field with Tyler Matakevich winning the Bronco Nagurski Trophy yesterday. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the best defensive player in the country and there is no doubt Matakevich deserves this honor. He was among five finalists for the award, beating out Jeremy Cash(Duke), Shaq Lawson(Clemson), Carl Nassib(Penn State), and Reggie Ragland(Alabama). Tyler Matakevich has had an incredible college career and this award is a testament to the hardwork he’s put in and what type of player he is.
All Tyler Matakevich did for Temple this year is make plays and that’s one of the reasons why he’s had over 100 tackles in all four years of his collegiate career. He led the American with 126 tackles becoming only the seventh player ever to record 100 tackles in all four years and it attributed to him being named American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Another interesting stat is Makakevich led Temple in tackles every game this season and is the only player to do so this year. He was also named the Walter Camp Football Foundation Connecticut Player of the year and now you can add the Bronko Nagurski Trophy to his lists of awards. To give you an idea on how big of an honor the Bronko Nagurski Trophy some past winners include Luke Kuechly, Brian Orakpo, Ndamukong Suh, Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, and Charles Woodson, that’s pretty good company to be in.
Tyler Matakevich’s career at Temple has been a historic one, but it’s not finished yet. Matakevich will lead Temple against Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl, in hopes of getting his first bowl win and ending this magical season for him and Temple football on a high note.
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