81 players appear on this year's watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Award, which is given out annually to the best college defensive player in the nation.

The award, which began in 1993, is named after former University of Minnesota Golden Gophers and Chicago Bears player Bronko Naguski.

South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who is considered by many to be a serious Heisman Trophy candidate, headlines the list, which features 28 linebackers, 27 defensive linemen and 26 defensive backs.

Two LSU players make the watch list, in defensive lineman Anthony Johnson and defensive back Craig Loston, while one player from the Sun Belt Conference, linebacker Andrew Jackson, appears on the list.

Alabama and Stanford pave the way, with each putting four players on the watch list.

The SEC has the most players on the list, with 6, followed by the Pac-12, with 14, and the Big Ten, with 13, while the ACC and Big 12 each have 12.

Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o won last year's award.

The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet will be held on Dec. 9 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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