CLEMSON — The Football Writers Association of America has announced that linebacker Sammy Brown has been named as one of 68 candidates on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented annually to the national defensive player of the year.

The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder is projected to be one of the best linebackers in the country this season.

Brown, who is entering his third season at Clemson, was named a first-team All-ACC selection by multiple publications after a sophomore campaign that saw him record a team-high 107 tackles, with 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, seven pass breakups, one interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His 734 defensive snaps were also a team-high.

As a freshman, Brown was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, along with being named to multiple All-Freshman teams. The linebacker registered 87 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and four pass breakups. He was second on the team in tackles that season.

Brown was a five-star prospect coming out of Jefferson High School in Georgia, and signed with Clemson as part of the 2024 class. The Rivals Industry Rankings slotted him No. 22 overall and as the second-best linebacker in the class. He was also ranked No. 3 in the Peach State.

Here is a list of the other defenders in the ACC to make the list.

• Sammy Brown, Jr., LB, Clemson
• Koen Entringer, Jr., S, Louisville
• Clev Lubin, R-Sr., DE, Louisville
• Bryce Fitzgerald, So., S, Miami
• Ahmad Moten Sr., R-Sr., DT, Miami
• Damon Wilson II, Sr., DE, Miami
• Melkart Abou Jaoude, R-Sr., DE, North Carolina
• Matt Rose, R-Sr., LB, Stanford
• Kam Robinson, Sr., LB, Virginia
• Kemari Copeland, R-Sr., DT, Virginia Tech

–courtesy of Clemson Athletic Communications