South Alabama defensive back Jeremy Reaves is on the watch list for the 2017 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given annually to the top defensive player in college football.
Reaves was a first-team All-Sun Belt Conference selection in 2016, after earning second-team honors the previous season. As a junior last fall, he totaled 85 tackles, three interceptions, five pass break-ups and two forces fumbles.
Reaves will be a starter for the third straight year this season, having moved from cornerback to safety during the 2016 season. He ranked fifth in school history in tackles (197) and tied for first in forced fumbles (6) and interceptions (5).