Lawson, Ragland, Cash among 5 Nagurski Trophy finalists

Clemson linebacker Shaq Lawson and Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland are among the five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy given to the nation's best defensive player.

Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib, Duke safety Jeremy Cash and Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich are the other finalists for the award.

Lawson has 16 1/2 tackles for loss for the No. 1 Tigers. Ragland leads the No. 3 Tide in tackles and anchors the No. 2 run defense in the country.

Nassib leads the nation in sacks with 15 1/2 and forced fumbles with six. Cash is second in the nation in tackles for loss with 17 1/2. Matakevich is on target for his fourth straight 100-tackle season.

The Nagurski Trophy will be handed out by the Football Writers Association of America on Dec. 7.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org