Cisco, Robinson Included on Nagurski Trophy Watch List

DALLAS – Syracuse safety Andre Cisco and defensive end Alton Robinson have been named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, an honor presented annually to the nation's top defensive player by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

The Orange tandem were two of the 92 defensive standouts from 65 schools across all Division I FBS conferences and independents selected to the watch list. Their inclusion makes Syracuse one of 16 schools to have multiple representatives.

With Tuesday's announcement, Cisco is now on the watch lists for four of college football's premier awards. The true sophomore was previously named to the watch lists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy (defensive player of the year), Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year) and Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back).

The 2018 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, Cisco tied for the national lead with seven interceptions last season on his way to second-team All-America honors. He set the program record for most passes defended by a true freshman (18) and ranked fourth on the team with 60 tackles (46 solo). The No. 43 player on Sports Illustrated's list of the top 100 players in college football, Cisco was voted to the 2019 Preseason All-ACC Team earlier Tuesday.

Like Cisco, Robinson was picked to the 2019 Preseason All-ACC Team and is a member of the Bednarik Award Watch List. A true senior, Robinson racked up 39 tackles (31 solo) in 12 games last season, including 17 for a loss, and 10 sacks. His 10 sacks tied for the second-most in the conference. Robinson is the rated the No. 12 defensive end in the country by Lindy's and he's tied with Miami's Shaq Quarterman for the most career sacks (15) among active ACC players.

The five Nagurski Trophy finalists will be announced on Nov. 20. The FWAA All-America Committee then selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Nagurski Trophy winner, whom they regard as the best defensive player in college football.

The 25th annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet is set for Dec. 9 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The FWAA has chosen a national defensive player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for the Chicago Bears in the 1930s. He is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Orange kick off the 2019 campaign at Liberty on Saturday, Aug. 31 and open their home schedule on Saturday, Sept. 14 versus Clemson.

Season and single-game tickets are on sale now online (Cuse.com/tickets), by phone (888-DOME-TIX) or in person at the Dome Box Office located in the Ensley Athletic Center. Season tickets start at $125.

Syracuse's single-game ticket allotment for the Clemson game is sold out. The only way to guarantee a seat to watch the Orange and Tigers is through the purchase of a season ticket.

Syracuse Players on 2019 NCFAA Watch Lists
Bednarik Award: Andre Cisco, Alton Robinson
Doak Walker Award: Moe Neal
Biletnikoff Award: Sean Riley
Rimington Trophy: Airon Servais
Jim Thorpe Award: Andre Cisco
Nagurski Trophy: Andre Cisco, Alton Robinson

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Cisco, Robinson Included on Nagurski Trophy Watch List

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Andre Cisco

Moe Neal

Sean Riley

Alton Robinson

Airon Servais

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