Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

University of Maryand linebacker Dave Philistin (pictured) is one of 88 players currently on the watch list for the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded to the best defensive player in college football.

Philistin, a Manchester native who played at Manchester Central High School, was the fourth-leading tackler in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season, when he averaged 9.5 tackles per game. His 124 tackles ranked second on the team to Erin Henderson, who was a member of last year's Nagurski watch list.

Philistin, a senior, averaged a league-high 11.8 tackles per contest in eight ACC games last season. He made a career-high 23 tackles in a 28-26 victory over Georgia Tech on Oct. 6.

The Football Writers Association of America will select the Nagurski winner in November. LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey won the award last season. Bronko Nagurski was an All-America lineman at the University of Minnesota (1927-29) and played professionally for the Chicago Bears. 

Philistin and his Maryland teammates will open preseason camp on Aug. 4. Maryland will open the regular season against Delaware on Aug. 30.