Pitt’s Calijah Kancey Named Nagurski Trophy Finalist
11/16/2022 1:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt defensive tackle Calijah Kancey has been named a finalist for the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation's top defensive player by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
Kancey is one of four finalists chosen by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America committee. He is joined by Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr., USC defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu and Georgia safety Chris Smith.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy recipient will be chosen from these four finalists. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association's entire membership, selects the defensive player of the year who is part of the 2022 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on Dec. 5 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Kancey is the first Pitt player to be named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy since 2013, when tackle Aaron Donald became the Panthers' initial winner of the award.
Kancey's physical stature and production have drawn comparisons to Donald, now a perennial All-Pro for the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.
The 6-foot, 280-pound Kancey (Miami, Fla./Miami Northwestern) has been one of college football's most dominant players regardless of position this season. Through 10 contests, he has compiled 29 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Kancey ranks 11th nationally—and first among defensive tackles—with an average of 1.4 TFLs per game. Per Pro Football Focus, his pass rushing grade of 91.5 leads all Power Five interior defenders. His 28 hurries per PFF rank second in the Power Five.
Kancey spearheads a Pitt defense that leads the country in sacks (3.70 avg.), ranks 10th nationally against the rush (97.7 avg.) and ranks 15th in fewest total yards allowed (309.8 avg.).
In addition to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Kancey previously was named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award. He is also a highly viable candidate for ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
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Kancey is one of four finalists chosen by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America committee. He is joined by Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr., USC defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu and Georgia safety Chris Smith.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy recipient will be chosen from these four finalists. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association's entire membership, selects the defensive player of the year who is part of the 2022 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on Dec. 5 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Kancey is the first Pitt player to be named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy since 2013, when tackle Aaron Donald became the Panthers' initial winner of the award.
Kancey's physical stature and production have drawn comparisons to Donald, now a perennial All-Pro for the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.
The 6-foot, 280-pound Kancey (Miami, Fla./Miami Northwestern) has been one of college football's most dominant players regardless of position this season. Through 10 contests, he has compiled 29 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Kancey ranks 11th nationally—and first among defensive tackles—with an average of 1.4 TFLs per game. Per Pro Football Focus, his pass rushing grade of 91.5 leads all Power Five interior defenders. His 28 hurries per PFF rank second in the Power Five.
Kancey spearheads a Pitt defense that leads the country in sacks (3.70 avg.), ranks 10th nationally against the rush (97.7 avg.) and ranks 15th in fewest total yards allowed (309.8 avg.).
In addition to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Kancey previously was named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award. He is also a highly viable candidate for ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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