NC State’s defensive line is being hyped as one of the best in the ACC this season. Thursday, that claim got some validation from not one, but two major college football awards. Defensive end Bradley Chubb and B.J. Hill were among those mentioned on the preseason watch list for both the Nagurski Trophy and Outland Trophy. Offensive guard Tony Adams also gained recognition on the list for the Outland, which honors interior linemen (tackles, guards and centers) on either side of the ball. Also named as preseason candidates were Duke center Austin Davis and offensive tackle Evan Lisle, North Carolina offensive tackle Bentley Spain and Appalachian offensive guard Colby Gossett. Joining Chubb and Hill on the list for the Nagurski Trophy, which is presented annually by the Football Writers Association of America to its national Defensive Player of the Year, are Wake Forest end Duke Ejiofor and Appalachian State linebacker Eric Boggs. Players will be added to the list as the season progresses and their play warrants it. The field will be trimmed to six or seven semifinalists in mid-November with three finalists being selected at the end of the regular season. The winner of the Outland and Nagurski trophies will be announced as part of a made-for-television awards show on Thursday, Dec. 7.
