Carencro Grad Trent Mackey Named to Nagurski Watch

Posted: Jul 12, 2012 6:45 PM by Tulane Sports Information
Updated: Jul 12, 2012 6:46 PM

Tulane senior middle linebacker Trent Mackey has been recognized as one of the top defensive players in the nation for the upcoming 2012 campaign with his selection to the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, which annually features the best and brightest of the upcoming season's defensive players, as it was announced today by the Football Writers Association of America.

A two-year letterwinner and starter who hails from Port Sulphur, La. and finished high school at Carencro High, Mackey is one 84 players, including three from Conference USA and five players from Louisiana schools, and he is one of 30 standout linebackers on the list.

A first team All-Conference USA and All-Louisiana selection and a candidate for the Rotary Lombardi Award a year ago, Mackey was one of the nation's top defenders in 2011, logging 145 (96 solo/49 assists) tackles in 12 games. He finished second among C-USA players and ranked fourth nationally with 12.1 stops per game. Mackey posted double figure tackles in eight of his 12 games, including 18 stops against Syracuse, which was the 18th-best single game effort in college football last season.

He was twice named the C-USA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the season opener against Southeastern Louisiana (12 tackles) and at UAB (nine tackles and interception return for a touchdown).

His tackle total as a junior ranks 10th among the school's single season leaders but was the most by a Tulane player in a single season since 1983.

Mackey's also accounted for 14 tackles for lost yardage, which ranked fifth among conference players, 4.5 sacks, one fumble return and one interception return for a touchdown. Offensively, he lined up in the backfield in the season opener against Southeastern Louisiana and caught a three-yard touchdown pass.

A sociology major, Mackey has career numbers of 279 tackles (162 solo, 117 assists), 21.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He has played in 35 career games and has started the last 24 consecutive contests.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner is chosen from five finalists who are part of the FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects the 25-man team and eventually the Bronko Nagurski finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner, the best defensive player in America.

The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet presented by ACN will be Dec. 3 at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.