CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Temple senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich has won the Bronko Nagurski Award, which is awarded annually to the nation's top defensive player.
Matakevich accepted the award from the Charlotte Touchdown Club in conjunction with the Football Writers Association of America at a banquet Monday night in Charlotte.
The 6-foot-1, 232-pound Matakevich had 126 tackles this season -- including 15 for a loss -- along with five interceptions, 4½ sacks and five pass breakups, helping lead the Owls to a 10-3 record and a berth in the Boca Raton Bowl.