The search for the nation’s “most outstanding defensive player” in 2018 began on Tuesday with the release of the Bronco Nagurski Watch List. That search includes a trio of USC football defenders.
Defensive end Christian Rector, linebacker Cameron Smith and safety Marvell Tell were among the whopping 97 players included on the preseason list.
Smith has made his way onto a number of watch lists already this offseason, including for the Bednarik and Butkus Awards. He’s also drawn preseason All-American acclaim after leading the Trojans in tackles as a junior.
Tell has also garnered attention thanks to his 85 tackles and three interceptions in 2017, proving his playmaking credentials at the safety spot.