Williams is the Man to "Watch"

Mario Williams is a preseason candidate for several national awards.

6/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football

June 27, 2005

NC State junior defensive end Mario Williams has been named to another preseason "watch" list - this time for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is voted on by the Football Writers Association of America for the National Defensive Player of the Year. Williams is already on the preseason lists for the Lombardi and Bednarik Awards.

The 6-7, 285 pound Williams led the nation's top-ranked defense with 15 tackles for loss as a sophomore. He has been named the preseason National Defensive Player by Blue Ribbon College Football.

Five finalists will attend the awards banquet in Charlotte on December 5, where the winner will be announced. The Nagurski Trophy is sponsored by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.