Hog DL a Nagurski preseason pick

Hog DL a Nagurski preseason pick

Wise makes the cut

UA Media Relations DALLAS – Arkansas senior defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. was named to the preseason watch list for the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced Friday. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

Wise tallied 31 tackles – including 10.5 for loss – and eight sacks in 13 games played last season. All eight of his sacks came during Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, which led the league in that category during the regular season.

The Carrollton, Texas, product was especially dominant during the month of November as he recorded seven sacks through the final four regular-season contests, a figure that paced the SEC and ranked second nationally during that stretch. Wise was named the SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week on Nov. 30, 2015, for his efforts against Missouri in the Battle Line Rivalry. He became the sixth different Razorback to be honored with a weekly award from the SEC in 2015 after registering two sacks with a forced fumble during Arkansas’ 28-3 win.

Wise has recorded 11 of his 13 career sacks against SEC opponents, including at least a half-sack in six of the last nine conference games he’s played in.

Wise is one of nine returning defensive starters that helped the Razorbacks hold 12 of 13 opponents below their season rushing average in 2015. Allowing only 116.46 yards per game on the ground, Arkansas ranked second in the SEC and 12th nationally in rushing defense.

Deatrich Wise Jr.’s Preseason Honors Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Athlon All-SEC second team Lindy’s All-SEC third team Phil Steele All-SEC third team

By Brandon Langlois