Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. wins Bronko Nagurski Trophy for top defensive player

On the same night Will Anderson Jr. was not included as a Heisman Trophy finalist, he won another award: The Bronko Nagurski Trophy.

The award is given to the top defensive player by Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America. Anderson edged out Georgia's Jordan Davis and Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Anderson is the second Alabama player to win the Nagurski Trophy. Jonathan Allen won the award in 2016.

Anderson has put together a dominant sophomore campaign. Voted team a captain, he has tallied 92 total tackles. His 15.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss each lead all FBS players in the country.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said Anderson has done as much for the Crimson Tide as anybody ever has.

"I think he's been one of the most productive players in college football as a defensive player," Saban said. "He’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do. He’s a very consistent player. He’s very disciplined in terms of doing his job. He does it with tremendous effort and toughness."

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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. wins Bronko Nagurski Trophy