The annual watch list for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy was unveiled by the Football Writers Association of America and LSU’s Mekhi Wingo and Harold Perkins were named to it.
The Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the nation’s best defensive player. Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr took home the award back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022. The lone Tiger to win it was Glenn Dorsey in 2007.
Wingo is a junior from St. Louis, Missouri who started his career playing for the Missouri Tigers. He transferred to LSU before his sophomore season last year and had a breakout season. He compiled six tackles for loss, three sacks, and 47 tackles, emerging as a consistent contributor on the defensive line.
Most recently, Wingo was selected to represent the Tigers at SEC Media Days in Nashville and figures to be a leader for the defense in 2023.
Perkins is a sophomore from New Orleans that played high school football in Texas. As a true freshman last season, he emerged as one of the best players not only on the team but in the entire country. He accrued 72 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 7 1/2 sacks. He was a First Team All-SEC selection and a Freshman All-American among plenty of other honors. Perkins will be asked to play some different roles but figures to lead the Tigers’ defense this season.
LSU gets their season underway on Sunday, September 3rd against Florida State and you can hear all of their games on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.