DALLAS-Tuesday, the Football Writers of America released its Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List.

This is annually awarded to the top defensive player in college football.

BYU junior linebacker Payton Wilgar represents the Cougars on the list while Utah is represented by sophomore defensive end/defensive tackle Junior Tafuna and sophomore cornerback Clark Phillips III.

Wilgar, the former Dixie High School star, had two interceptions, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble last season for the Cougars.

Tafuna had 4.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss for Utah last season.

Phillips netted two interceptions and a forced fumble for the Utes in 2021, along with 61 net tackles (45 solo stops).