Five Michigan football players and Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie appeared on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list released on Tuesday.
Linebackers Devin Bush and Khaleke Hudson, defensive ends Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich, and cornerback Lavert Hill were among 97 players in the running during the annual award for nation's best defensive player.
Bush and Gary, both of whom enter their junior seasons, were first-team all-Big Ten selections by the coaches in 2017. Bush led the Wolverines in tackles with 102, while adding an interception, five sacks and eight pass breakups, while 12 of Gary's 66 tackles were for a loss.