CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers has won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player.
Playing with a heavy heart following the deaths this year of his father, Dennis, and close friend Gaines Adams of the Chicago Bears, Bowers has had a breakout season. He leads the nation with 1512 sacks and his 25 tackles for a loss rank second in the country.
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound junior edged Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, Georgia linebacker Justin Houston and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.
Bowers was honored Monday night in a banquet hosted by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
Bowers wears the same No. 93 Adams, who died in January, wore at Clemson. Bowers’ father died suddenly in August.
