Debo Williams Named to 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List

University of South Carolina linebacker Debo Williams is one of 75 defensive standouts from 56 schools in nine Division I FBS conferences plus Independents named to the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced today.

By position, the watch list includes 22 linebackers, 16 defensive ends, 16 safeties, 12 defensive tackles and nine cornerbacks.

Williams, a 6-1, 232-pound redshirt senior from Smyrna, Del., was a first-team All-SEC performer a year ago when he recorded a team-leading 113 tackles with 9.0 tackles for loss. His 113 tackles ranked third in the SEC and was the most recorded by a Gamecock since the 2002 season. He was selected as the 2023 Joe Morrison MVP for the defense and was named a Rex Enright team captain.

The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2024 trophy on Nov. 20 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 9 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.

Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. As in previous years, the FWAA will announce a National Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time.

The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Nagurski Trophy finalists. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from the five finalists named in November. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.

The FWAA 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.

Williams and the Gamecocks report to fall camp on Thursday, Aug. 1, and officially begin practice on Friday, Aug. 2 ahead of the season opener, which is set for Saturday, Aug. 31 against Old Dominion.