Derrick Brown finalist for Nagurski Trophy

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Derrick Brown named a finalist for Nagurski Trophy

Posted Nov 20, 2019

3 minutes

Auburn can now officially say its defensive tackle, Derrick Brown, is one of the best players in the country.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which goes to the nation’s best defensive player in college football, announced its finalists on Wednesday. Brown was among just five players named.

Brown has played in all 10 games for Auburn this season and has totaled 43 tackles, including 25 solo tackles and nine tackles for loss. He has had four sacks for a loss of 29 yards, as well as four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one quarterback hurry.

As a leader of the defense, Brown has helped Auburn hold opponents to an average of 115.5 yards a game. There have been four games where Auburn’s opponents rushed for less than 100 yards. Opposing teams are converting just 30.07 percent of third down attempts and 29.41 percent of fourth down attempts.

The SEC has named Brown the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week three times in 2019. He is currently tied with defensive end Marlon Davidson for three SEC weekly honors apiece. The two are in a competition and have two more games to add to their list of awards.

The Football Writers Association of America, who votes on the award, described Brown as “the rare playmaker tucked in the middle of Auburn’s line." It mentioned that Brown has made those achievements while being double-teamed much of the year.

Brown had a dominant year in 2018, as well, but decided to return for his final season. In his career, he has had 157 career tackles, 30 tackles for losses and 13 sacks.

The other finalists include Georgia safety J.R. Reed, Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, Minnesota defensive back Antoine Whitfield Jr. and Ohio State defensive end Chase Young.

The original list of players for the award, which is judged by the Football Writers Association of America, was released in July and included 92 players. Auburn’s Nick Coe was also on the list.

The award, named for Minnesota’s Bronko Nagurski who went on to play for the Chicago Bears, has never gone to an Auburn player, although Brown is the third Tiger to be named a finalist along with defensive tackle Nick Fairley (2010) and cornerback Carlos Rogers (2004).

The banquet for the trophy will be held on December 9, and the winner will be announced there.