Elam adds to his preseason nods of a Chuck Bednarik and Jim Thorpe Watch List recipient.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam continues to add preseason recognition as he was named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, the Charlotte Touchdown Club announced Tuesday.
He has also earned spots on the Chuck Benarik and Jim Thorpe Watch List. A 2021 Preseason All-SEC Second Team selection, Elam started all 12 games, posting 39 tackles (28 solo), 11 pass breakups and two interceptions last season.
The Football Writers Association of America (FWWA) has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from those five finalists and honored at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet presented by LendingTree on Dec. 6 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
2021 Gators Watch Lists
Kaiir Elam – Bronko Nagurski Award