BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — Two defensive ends at the University at Buffalo are receiving some much deserved attention. Seniors Malcolm Koonce and Taylor Riggins have been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, given to the best defensive player in college football.
Koonce is coming off a season where he led the Mid-American Conference in sacks (9). He added 34 tackles and 11 tackles for loss on the season. He had a big performance in last year's Bahamas Bowl where he recorded five tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble on the way to being named the Defensive MVP.
Riggins was right behind Koonce last season when it came to MAC defensive performances, recording 8.5 sacks. He added 50 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries on the season. This is Riggins' second watch list appearance, also named to the Bednarik Award watch list.
As of Tuesday, six UB players have landed on five different watch lists.
