College

Temple’s Matakevich Wins 2015 Bronko Nagurski Trophy

by
Renee Washington
December 9, 2015

Tyler Matakevich, No. 8 (Getty Images)

Temple senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich was named the recipient of the 2015 Bronko Nagurski Award Monday night. Matakevich led his team to their first Top 25 ranking since 1980 and a record-tying season of 10 victories. The Owls record-tying season led them to win the American Athletic Conference East Division.

Matakevich is also the first Owl in program history to be named a first-team defensive All-American. Despite being told by many Football Bowl Subdivision schools, aside from Temple, that he was too small and slow to play at this level, with the Bronko Nagurski honor, the 6-1 232-pound LB is named the best defensive player in college football.

Over his career, Matakevich has recorded over 100 tackles and is only the seventh player in the history of the FBS to accomplish this feat. In addition, he is the only player in the FBS this year to lead his team in tackles in every game. The Stratford, CT native also leads college football with the most interceptions by any line backer this season with five interceptions for 47 yards. He has recorded 126 tackles in 13 games this season and 15 tackles for 62 yards in losses.

The award is named after Bronko Nagurski, the legendary University of Minnesota bruising linebacker and defensive tackle. Nagurski played for Golden Gophers from 1927-192 where he led his team to a Big Ten title in 1927 and a three year record of 18-4-2. He went on to win three titles with the Chicago Bears in his NFL career. This year’s banquet marks the 21st anniversary of the event in Charlotte, NC. Matakevich and the Owls head to the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl to play Toledo on December 22 with hopes of winning their 11th game. Kickoff is set for 7pm ET at the FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida.

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