Auburn football: Big Kat Bryant joins K.J. Britt on award watch list

Auburn players continue to rack up award watch list nominations.

Prior to Tuesday, Auburn senior linebacker K.J. Britt had already been named to two preseason award watch lists. Britt, who was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2019, had already been named to the Bednarik Award watch list and was named to the Butkus Award watch list on Monday.

The watch list for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, given to the nation’s best defensive player, was released by the Football Writer’s Association of America on Tuesday. While Britt racked up his third watch list nomination of the offseason, senior defensive end Big Kat Bryant is new to the recognition.

Bryant was one of15 SEC and 98 total players named to award’s watch list which has been given out every season since 1993.

Bryant was named to the SEC’s all-freshman team in 2017 as a backup and last season, Bryant finally got the chance to start, lining up at the Buck position. In 12 games, Bryant recorded 16 tackles, nine QB hurries, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

However, with the departure of established stars Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson, Bryant enters the 2020 season as Auburn’s most experienced defensive lineman. As a result, expectations are high for the 6-foot-5, 247-pound pass rusher.

With an excellent mix of size, power and athleticism, Bryant has the chance to be one of Auburn’s best players in 2020 and this watch list nod proves that many people think the same.

Last season, the Nagurski Trophy was given to Ohio State star and eventual No. 2 overall pick Chase Young. While no Auburn player has ever won the award, star defensive tackle Derrick Brown was one of the five finalists last season.

Other Auburn finalists for the trophy include Nick Fairley in 2010 and Carlos Rogers in 2004.

Britt and Bryant aren’t the only Tigers to land themselves on award watch lists this offseason. Sophomore QB Bo Nix was named to the O’Brien watch list, running back D.J. Williams was named to the Doak Walker watch list and the Biletnikoff watch list included star wide receiver Seth Williams.