Another day brings more national recognition for UConn linebacker Yawin Smallwood as the rising junior was one of 81 players named to the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list.

Smallwood led UConn with 59 solo tackles and 120 tackles during the 2012 season. He also had four sacks, 15 tackles for loss, two forced fumble and four pass breakups.

In his two seasons as the Huskies' starting middle linebacker Smallwood has 214 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for losses.

The award for the Nagurski Award, presented annually to the nation's top defensive player, will be announced on Nov. 21 with the winner be revealed on Dec. 9.

Smallwood was previously named as a candidate for the Bednarik Award and was on the College Football Performance Award watch list for linebackers. With the Butkus and Lombardi Award watch lists being announced on Monday, more recognition could be coming Smallwood's way.