Alabama's Allen Wins Nagurski Award As Top Defensive Player
STEVE REED, AP Sports Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Alabama senior defensive lineman Jonathan Allen has won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy given annually to the nation's best college defensive player.
Allen was selected Monday night over four other finalists, including Crimson Tide teammate Reuben Foster. Florida State cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers and Clemson defensive end Christian Wilkins were also among the finalists who attended the awards ceremony hosted by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
Alabama is ranked No. 1 in the country, in large part due to its dominant defense.
The 6-foot-3, 291-pound Allen has 56 tackles and nine sacks this season for the Crimson Tide, tied for third-most in the Southeastern Conference. He had four tackles and 1 ½ sacks on Saturday as Alabama defeated Florida 54-16 to win its third straight SEC title.
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