Alabama’s Allen takes home Nagurski award

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Alabama senior defensive lineman Jonathan Allen won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Monday night given annually to the nation’s best college defensive player.

Allen was selected over four other finalists, including Crimson Tide teammate Reuben Foster, a linebacker. Florida State cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers and Clemson defensive end Christian Wilkins were also among the finalists who attended the awards ceremony hosted by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

Alabama (13-0) is ranked No. 1 in the country, in large part due to its dominant defense.

Allen, 6-3, 291 pounds, has 56 tackles and nine sacks this season for the Crimson Tide, tied for third-most in the SEC. He had four tackles and 11/2 sacks last weekend as Alabama defeated Florida 54-16 to win its third consecutive SEC title.

A likely first-round draft pick last year, Allen decided to return to Alabama because he wanted to win a national title.

Allen beat out some solid competition for the award, including Peppers, who has 66 tackles — 13 for a loss — and 1 interception for the Wolverines this season. Peppers learned Monday that he was the only defensive player selected as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

Foster, who had 94 tackles, 4 sacks and 1 forced fumble this season, also had a strong season at Alabama.

McFadden, a 6-2, 198-pound cornerback, had 17 tackles and eight interceptions for the Seminoles.

Wilkins had 44 tackles and 31/2 sacks for the playoff-bound Tigers, who held on to beat Virginia Tech 42-35 in the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game.