Given annually by the Charlotte Touchdown Club to the nation’s best all-around defensive player, the Nagurski Trophy unveiled its group of five finalists Thursday morning for the 2013 version of the award.
The Final Five encompass two players each from the SEC and ACC along with one from the Big Ten. Just one linebacker made the cut: Alabama’s C.J. Mosley.
The other four finalists are Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard, Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Florida State cornerback Lamarcus Joyner and Missouri defensive end Michael Sam.
None of this year’s finalists were finalists for last year’s award, which was won by Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o.