Aggies' Fackrell named to Nagurski watch list


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LOGAN — Utah State’s offense has been the talk of the preseason in the Mountain West Conference, thanks to the return of quarterback Chuckie Keeton and a group that put up 31.8 points per game in 2013.

The Aggies’ defense, which allowed only 17.1 points per game, is getting noticed, too.

Kyler Fackrell was one of 24 linebackers named to the 81-player watch list Thursday for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is given to the nation’s top defensive player in college football. Fresno State safety Derron Smith and nose guard Tyeler Davison, as well as BYU defensive back Craig Bills and linebacker Alani Fua, also made the list.

Fackrell led Utah State with 13 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2013. He also compiled 82 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles en route to second-team all-Mountain West honors.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound junior from Mesa, Arizona, was a first-team all- WAC selection as a redshirt freshman in 2012.

Fackrell joins teammates Keeton and tight end Wyatt Houston on 2014 watch lists. Houston was named to the 81-player John Mackey Award watch list, given to the nation’s most outstanding collegiate tight end, on Tuesday. Fackrell was previously announced as a finalist for the Bednarik Award.

The Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 20. The FWAA will also choose a national defensive player of the week from the watch list each Tuesday during the season.

Utah State opens the season Aug. 31 at Tennessee and begins its home slate Sept. 6 against Idaho State.

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Sean Walker

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