Kevin Steele's defense is approaching the ranks of elite, and Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson are holding down the fort up front as a pair of bruising defensive lineman.
The duo's ability was recognized nationally Tuesday morning when Brown and Davidson were named to the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. Annually, the watch list recognizes 97 athletes in consideration for best defensive player in college football.
Last season, Brown's 9.5 tackles for loss ranked second on the team, just behind All-SEC first-teamer Jeff Holland. Brown is rated by many as a top-15 talent in the 2019 NFL Draft.
After injuries bugged his 2017 campaign, Davidson, who may be the most versatile of the Tigers' dominant D-line, is primed for a monster 2018. As a sophomore, Davidson accounted for a trio of sacks, six tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
In the preseason media poll, Brown was named to the conference's second team and Davidson to its third.
Five finalists for the award will be announced by the Football Writer's Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club on Nov. 14. This year's preseason watch list is comprised of 27 defensive backs, 26 linebackers, 24 defensive ends and 20 defensive tackles. The SEC leads the way in representation with 16, followed by the Big Ten (15); ACC (13); Pac-12 (12); Big 12 (9); AAC and Mountain West (7); Conference USA and Independents (5); and the MAC and Sun Belt (4).
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Nathan King, senior in journalism with a minor in business, is The Plainsman's sports editor.
