The Bednarik Award, given annually to college football‘s best defensive player, announced their 20 semifinalists on Monday
More from NFL
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Packers training camp news: Jordan Love struggles, Bakhtiari schedule, position switch
- 3 Cowboys who won’t be on the roster after training camp
- Packers: Aaron Rodgers reached out to Jordan Love this offseason
- Damar Hamlin is a ‘full go’ at Bills training camp
The Maxwell Club not only presents the Mxxwell Award to the country’s best player but they also give the Chuck Bednarik Award to the country’s best defensive player.
It has been given out since 1995 – former Northwestern Wildcats’ linebacker and current head coach won the first two Bednarik Awards. Last year, it was won by Pittsburgh Panthers’ defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who was a first round pick of the St. Louis Rams. Former Penn State Nittany Lions‘ linebacker Paul Posluszny has also won the Bednarik Award twice, taking home the hardware in both 2005 and 2006. Penn State has taken home the award two other times (linebacker LaVar Arrington in 1999 and linebacker Dan Connor in 2007).
The list is highlighted by Clemson Tigers’ defensive end Vic Beasley, who is one of eight defensive ends on the list, the most among any position. Beasley has 8.0 sacks on the season.
You can see the complete lit below:
Vic Beasley, Sr. Clemson DE
Joey Bosa, Soph. Ohio State DE
Shilique Calhoun, Jr. Michigan State DE
Landon Collins, Jr. Alabama S
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Sr. Oregon CB
Senquez Golson, Sr. Ole Miss CB
Randy Gregory, Jr. Nebraska DE
Vernon Hargreaves III, Soph. Florida CB
Jordan Hicks, Sr. Texas LB
Gerod Holliman, Soph. Louisville S
Hau’oli Kikaha, Sr. Washington LB
Benardrick McKinney, Jr. Mississippi State LB
Shawn Oakman, Jr. Baylor DE
Nate Orchard, Sr. Utah DE
Denzel Perryman, Sr. Miami LB
Shane Ray, Jr. Missouri DE
Danny Sheldon, Sr. Washington DT
Jaylon Smith, Soph. Notre Dame LB
Leonard Williams, Jr. USC DE
Scooby Wright III, Soph. Arizona LB
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26