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University of Massachusets Athletics
Photo by: Thom Kendall - UMass Athletics
Casali Named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
July 13, 2017 | Football
Redshirt senior linebacker registered team-high 105 tackles, including 8.0 TFLs in 2016
DALLAS – University of Massachusetts redshirt senior linebacker Steve Casali was named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List on Thursday, as announced by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). Casali provided a team-best 105 tackles during the 2016 season, including 8.0 TFLs and 3.5 sacks.
Casali is one of only 29 linebackers from across the country selected to the watch list, which encompasses all defensive positions and includes 103 total competitors. There are also 30 backs, 25 ends and 19 tackles on the watch list.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is given annually to the top defensive player in the country, as voted upon by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the FWAA. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the 2017 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Thurs., Nov. 16. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner. The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet, presented by ACN, will be held on Mon., Dec. 4 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Casali averaged 8.8 tackles per game, which ranked the 2016 Phil Steele First Team All-Independent selection among the top-20 across NCAA Division I. A disruptive player all over the field, he added three fumbles recovered, tied for the eighth-most by one player in Division I FBS, forced another fumble and broke up six passes.
Single game and season tickets can be purchase over the phone by dialing 866-UMASS-TIX, in-person at the Mullins Center Box Office during business hours or online here. For more information, please visit the UMass Football Ticket Information page.
For continued coverage of UMass football, follow the program on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@UMassFootball).
2017 UMass Football Watch List Honorees
Tues., July 11: Adam Breneman (Mackey Award – top tight end; Friends of John Mackey)
Wed., July 12: Logan Laurent (Ray Guy Award – top punter; August Sports Council)
Thurs., July 13: Steve Casali (Nagurski Trophy – top defensive player; Charlotte Touchdown Club)
Casali is one of only 29 linebackers from across the country selected to the watch list, which encompasses all defensive positions and includes 103 total competitors. There are also 30 backs, 25 ends and 19 tackles on the watch list.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is given annually to the top defensive player in the country, as voted upon by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the FWAA. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the 2017 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Thurs., Nov. 16. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner. The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet, presented by ACN, will be held on Mon., Dec. 4 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Casali averaged 8.8 tackles per game, which ranked the 2016 Phil Steele First Team All-Independent selection among the top-20 across NCAA Division I. A disruptive player all over the field, he added three fumbles recovered, tied for the eighth-most by one player in Division I FBS, forced another fumble and broke up six passes.
Single game and season tickets can be purchase over the phone by dialing 866-UMASS-TIX, in-person at the Mullins Center Box Office during business hours or online here. For more information, please visit the UMass Football Ticket Information page.
For continued coverage of UMass football, follow the program on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@UMassFootball).
2017 UMass Football Watch List Honorees
Tues., July 11: Adam Breneman (Mackey Award – top tight end; Friends of John Mackey)
Wed., July 12: Logan Laurent (Ray Guy Award – top punter; August Sports Council)
Thurs., July 13: Steve Casali (Nagurski Trophy – top defensive player; Charlotte Touchdown Club)
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