Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list 2017: 5 favorites to win

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 29: Florida State DB Tavarus McFadden (4) lines up across from Clemson wide receiver Deon Cain (8) during an NCAA football game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Clemson Tigers on October 29, 2016, at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, FL. (Photo by Logan Stanford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Tavarus McFadden, DB, Florida State

While McFadden might not even be the most likely Florida State defender to win the Bronko Nagurski Trohpy, he’s certainly in the running after making a huge leap as a sophomore.

Rated as the No. 3 defensive back in the country coming out of high school, McFadden was one of four five-star recruits to join the Seminoles in 2015. Florida State largely kept McFadden off the field as a freshman, as he only appeared in two games at cornerback while rotating in on special teams.

When given the chance to start right away last season, McFadden exceeded his own lofty expectations. McFadden reeled in eight interceptions to tie West Virginia’s Rasul Douglas for most in the nation, along with six passes defended and three tackles for loss.

One of those picks came against Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson in an otherwise ugly loss at Louisville, and McFadden also enjoyed a terrific game against national champion Clemson. Those numbers came in despite playing through a torn labrum for much of the year, so the physically imposing McFadden could be even better if fully healthy in 2017.

A big game or highlight reel play in Florida State’s much-anticipated opener against Alabama would get the hype train rolling early.

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