The Football Writers Association of America has released their watch list for the 2008 Bronco Nagurski Trophy, sponsored by the Charlotte Touchdown Club, which goes to the defensive player of the year in college football. Michigan defensive tackle Terrance Taylor has made the list which also includes other Big Ten players.
Malcom Jenkins, defensive back linebackers James Laurinitis and Marcus Freeman of Ohio State, Wisconsin defensive end Matt Shaughnessy, Maurice Evans, defensive end from Penn State, Indiana defensive end Greg Middleton, Illinois defensive back Vontae Davis, and defensive tackle Mitch King of Iowa.
Taylor, a 6-foot, 300 pound senior, has made 15 consecutive starts for the Wolverines and as one of seven returning starters on defense, will be one of the players looked to for leadership this season. He has career totals of 79 tackles including 13.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass break-ups, and two fumble recoveries.
Taylor is an excellent athlete and is a former high school state champion in power lifting (610 pound squat, 620 pound dead lift, 385 bench press). As an undefeated wrestler, he won the state title as a junior, and threw the shot (52′6 feet) and discuss (163′02 feet) for his track team in Muskegon.
In what is a transition period for the Wolverines on the gridiron, Taylor is poised to have a big season and then transition himself into the NFL next season.
