Temple's Tyler Matakevich Wins Bronko Nagurski Trophy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On Monday, Temple head coach Matt Rhule signed a six-year contract extension to remain at Temple University. One of the players that contributed the most to Rhule's success with the Owls was recognized later that night.
Senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich was named the 2015 winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy given to the nation's best defensive player chosen by the Football Writer's Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
Your 2015 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner...????#TUFB's Tyler Matakevich. #WeTheT pic.twitter.com/EWaJrSYjGf
— Temple Football (@Temple_FB) December 8, 2015
This is the latest honor for Matakevich who was also named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a All-AAC First Team selection.
Matakevich totaled 126 tackles this past season to pace the Owls. He also became the seventh college football player to earn more than 100 tackles in four different seasons.
Here is what @CoachMattRhule told me on what @44_Matakevich winning the Nagurski award means to him. @Temple_FB pic.twitter.com/UkuNznGA4J
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) December 8, 2015
The senior will lead the Owls in his final game when they take on Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl.