DALLAS – BYU defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga earned recognition on the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top defensive player.
The 6-foot-4, 325-pounder from West Valley, Utah, has played in 26 games for the Cougars. A junior in 2019, Tonga totaled 30 tackles last year with 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks while frequently garnering double teams in the middle.
For his career, Tonga has 49 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and one blocked field goal.
In 2018, former Cougar defensive end Corbin Kaufusi was a watch list honoree.
The 25th Annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet will be held on Dec. 9 at the Charlotte Convention Center. 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.