Iowa State defensive back T.J. Tampa was put on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Tuesday.

The trophy is a premier award for defensive players and is given annually to the nation’s top defensive player. Tampa’s breakout 2022 season helped him get his name into the spotlight.

Tampa started all 12 games last season and became a leader in the defensive back room throughout the season. Tampa was a dominant force in the backfield, leading the team with nine pass breakups.

Tampa also picked up his first career interception in 2022 against Oklahoma State. With Tampa expected to lead the room again in the upcoming season, he has another shot to show off his defensive prowess.

Not only was Tampa a threat in the air, he was a force to be reckoned with on the ground. He finished sixth on the team for tackles with 40 as well as five tackles for a loss.

Tampa’s most important play of the 2022 season came in the heated CyHawk matchup where Iowa State squeaked out a win for the first time in the Matt Campbell era of Cyclone football. Tampa forced a fumble at the goal line which Iowa State recovered. It was clear from that moment on Tampa was going to be a playmaker.

As the season inches closer, Tampa has found himself in the headlines even before he was named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. Tampa was a preseason All-Big 12 pick, awarded collectively by the Big 12 coaches. Tampa made it onto the All-Big 12 Second Team after his monster 2022 season.

Going into the 2023 season, expectations are at an all-time high for the returning senior. Tampa is currently the highest graded cornerback in the Big 12 by PFF (Pro Football Focus).

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is the most prestigious defensive award for a reason. Tampa will have to be on top of his game throughout the entire season if he wants to remain on the watch list for the award.