Notre Dame University linebacker Manti Te’o is the 2012 recipient of The Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
The native Hawaiian was also a runner-up for this year’s Heisman Trophy, although Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel ultimately took that prize. Te’o led the undefeated Fighting Irish throughout the regular season, and the team will meet Alabama on January 7th in the BCS championship game.
This award is presented annually to the Top Defensive Player in college football. The nominees are selected from all Division I schools and voted on by members of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). It is hosted by the Charlotte Touchdown Club in Charlotte, N.C.
Learn more about this year’s winner here.