LEXINGTON, Ky. – UK junior linebacker Jordan Jones (pictured against Vanderbilt) has been named to the 2017 Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list, it was announced Thursday, April 13. The award is annually given to the National Defensive Player of the Year by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America.

Jones, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, led the Southeastern Conference and ranked 16th nationally in solo tackles per game last season with 5.7 per game and ranked third in total tackles per game with 8.4. He totaled a team-high 109 tackles and led the Wildcats with 15.5 tackles for loss. He has earned preseason All-America honors by Athlon (third team) and preseason first-team All-SEC honors by Athlon Sports and Southern Pigskin.

The award recognizes the nation’s top defensive player, with five finalists announced on Nov. 16. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be selected by the FWAA All-America Committee after All-America teams are announced. The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet, presented by CAN, will be held on Dec. 4 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Jones is also on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, presented to the top college defensive player.

Photo by UK Athletics