DALLAS – New Mexico State football's defensive back Jaden Wright was named to the 2017 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List on Thursday the Football Writers Association of America and Charlotte Touchdown Club announced.
 
Wright, who saw action in all 12 games in 2016, finished last season fifth on the team with 81 tackles (32 solo) and a team-high four forced fumbles to go with his one fumble recovery. The 6-0 defensive back also led the team with five interceptions and recorded 2.5 tackles for loss.
 
The Lewisville, Texas, native registered 10 tackles on the road at Kentucky and then posted a season-high 15 tackles at home against Appalachian State. His interception against Louisiana saw him run the back for 45 yards.
 
The award is given out annually to the nation's best defensive player of the year by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club since 1993 and was named in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota in 1995. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football's most prestigious awards.