The program for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy banquet. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best defensive player in college football by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

The five finalists for the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy ham it up on stage. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

Duke coach David Cutcliffe was the keynote speaker at the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy award banquet. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner Jonathan Allen of Alabama is interviewed by FWAA President Mark Anderson. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

Chet Moeller of Navy, winner of the Bronko Nagurski Legends Award, fields questions at a leadership forum with high school students. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

2016 Bronko Nagurski Legends Award winner Chet Moeller, who played for Navy and was a member of the FWAA’s 1975 All-America Team and a College Football Hall of Famer. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

The banquet at the Charlotte Convention Center for the presentation of the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

Alabama teammates Reuben Foster (left) and Jonathan Allen were among the five finalists for the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

Table setting for the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy award banquet. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)

Jabrill Peppers of Michigan (left) and Christian Wilkins of Clemson, two of the five finalists for the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, enjoy a light moment during a leadership forum with high school students preceding the award banquet. (Photo by Michael Strauss, Strauss Studios.)