University of North Texas Athletics
Dion Novil named to 2021 Nagurski Watch List
7/27/2021 9:01:00 AM | Football
Earned first team All-CUSA honors in 2020
DENTON – North Texas senior defensive lineman Dion Novil has been named to the watch list for the 2021 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, as announced Tuesday by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and Football Writer's Association.Â
Entering his fourth season as starter, Novil earned first team All-Conference USA recognition in 2020 after receiving honorable mention honors in 2019. He is one of 90 players selected to the watch list, and one of only five from Conference USA.Â
Novil, a disruptive force in the middle of the UNT defense, recorded 37 tackles, 8.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2020. For his career, he has tallied 20 TFL and 4.0 sacks in 39 games (25 starts).Â
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from those five finalists and honored at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet presented by LendingTree on Dec. 6 at the Charlotte Convention Center. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association's full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Nagurski Trophy finalists. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.Â
North Texas opens the 2021 season at Apogee Stadium against Northwestern State at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4. Season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets for the 2021 season are now available online. Any ticket-related questions may be directed to the Mean Green Athletics Ticket Office via email at ticketoffice@unt.edu or by phone at (940) 565-2527.Â
Be sure to keep an eye on MeanGreenSports.com, follow Mean Green Sports on social media @MeanGreenSports and Mean Green football at @MeanGreenFB for all of the latest information on the upcoming 2021 football season.Â
