Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is one of 90 defensive standouts named to the 2021 Bronco Nagurski Trophy Watch List, which was released by the Football Writers Association of America.

An award that honors the nation’s defensive player of the year, Rodriguez is joined on the list by 11 other players from the Big 12. He is also one of 29 linebackers on the watchlist, which is the most of any position group.

The Wagoner, Oklahoma, native, has led the Cowboys in tackles the last two seasons and his 58 solo stops in 2020 led all Power Five linebackers and was seventh among all FBS players. A 2020 team captain and two-time All-Big 12 selection, Rodriguez is the most experienced player on a veteran Cowboy defense with 34 career starts under his belt.

Rodrigues is also one of 51 players on the preseason watch list for the 2021 Butkus Award. Rodriguez is also one of seven players from the Big 12 who was named to the watchlist for the award, which is presented annually to the nation’s best linebacker. This is the second-consecutive season Rodriguez has been named to the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award.