UTAH UTES

Two Utah Utes On Watchlist For Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Aug 1, 2023, 3:40 PM

Utah Utes Cole Bishop Junior Tafuna Bronko Nagurski Trophy...

TEMPE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 24: Safety Cole Bishop #8 of the Utah Utes celebrates a sack with Junior Tafuna #58 during the second half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY – Two Utah Utes have been named to the watchlist for the Bronko Nagurski trophy ahead of the 2023 college football season.

The Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the nation’s best defensive player.

Safety Cole Bishop and defensive tackle Junior Tafuna were the two Utes put on the watchlist.

Will Anderson Jr. was the Nagurski trophy winner in 2022 and 2021. He went on to be selected by the Houston Texans with the third pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cole Bishop

Bishop has played in 24 games at Utah with 19 starts. In 2022, Bishop was Pac-12 All-Conference Honorable Mention and posted 83 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and one interception. Bishop ranks second among Pac-12 secondary players in tackles per game.

Junior Tafuna

Tafuna has played in 27 games at Utah with 25 consecutive starts. In 2022, Tafuna earned All-Pac-12 second-team after posting 27 tackles (3.5 TFL, 1.0 sack), an interception, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.

Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports

Chandler Holt is a Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerHoltKSL or on Threads @chandlerho1t.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

  • Utah Utes Scoreboard

  • Utah Utes Team Leaders

  • Utah Utes Standings

Utah Utes

Nate Johnson - Utah Utes vs. Arizona...

Michelle Bodkin

Utah Quarterback Nate Johnson Discusses What Motivates Him To Win

Utah quarterback Nate Johnson discussed his motivation in light of showdown between Colorado and Oregon last weekend.

2 hours ago

Matt Gay Colts...

Chandler Holt

Former Utah Ute Matt Gay Named AFC Special Teams Player Of Week

After a dominant showing against the Ravens, former Ute and Colts kicker Matt Gay was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

6 hours ago

Devin-Lloyd-Jacksonville-Jaguars-Los-Angeles-Chargers...

Chandler Holt

Former Utah LB Devin Lloyd To Miss Time With Hand Injury

Former Ute and Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd will miss at least two weeks after getting surgery for his hand injury.

8 hours ago

utah-football-will-wear-black-helmet-white-jersey-black-pants-in-game-against-oregon-state-2023...

Michelle Bodkin

Utah Football Opts For Black Accents In Uniform Combo For Oregon State

The Utes are introducing their secondary color- black- into their week five uniform combination for No. 19 Oregon State.

9 hours ago

Jonathan-Smith-Oregon-State-Football...

Michelle Bodkin

Jonathan Smith On Preparing For Utah’s Quarterback Situation, Defense

Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith provided some thoughts on preparing for the Utah quarterback situation and nasty defense.

11 hours ago

Dalton Kincaid Buffalo Bills Friendship Bracelets Taylor Swift...

Chandler Holt

Inspired By Taylor Swift, Dalton Kincaid Passes Out Friendship Bracelets In Viral Video

At Tight End University, former Ute and Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid handed out friendship bracelets to his peers.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

3 kids wearing real salt lake jerseys smiling...

Real Salt Lake

6 Reasons You Need to Experience a RSL Matchday

RSL Games are a great way to spend time with your family with fun activities, good food, and traditions you can only experience at the field.

High angle view of the beautiful Rose Bowl Stadium...

KSL Digital Sales

How to Prepare for the 2023 Rose Bowl

Everything you need to know to plan your 2023 Rose Bowl trip in Pasadena, California. This year, the Utes will face Penn State.

Jordan-Clarkson-Utah-Jazz...

KSL Digital Sales

Notable Moments From The Utah Jazz Season… So Far

At the beginning of the season, the Utah Jazz were second to last. Now they rank in the top 10 teams in the Western Conference.

Football soccer ball on grass field on stadium...

KSL Digital Sales

Everything You Need to Know to Watch the 2022 World Cup

Find out where and when to watch the upcoming games and final match for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including where to find live updates.

ksl sports logos...

KSL Sports

KSL Sports Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the KSL Sports newsletter. Get the latest Utah sports news delivered to your inbox.

jimmy-buffett-tour-art...

KSL Sports

Win Tickets Wednesday: Jimmy Buffett

Get your Hawaiian shirts ready.

Two Utah Utes On Watchlist For Bronko Nagurski Trophy