The watch list for the award for the best defender in College Football was announced on Monday. Here are five favorites to win the Bednarik Award in 2017.
One of the biggest awards every year in college football, the Bednarik Award, is an honor given to the best defender in the nation. Some of the popular names that have won it in the past include Ndamukong Suh, Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson and most recently Jonathan Allen.
Not only have these defenders had major success at the collegiate level, it has also translated to their game in the NFL. The official watch list for the Bednarik Award was announced earlier Monday and includes 85 names.
Florida State and Ohio State are the two schools tied for the most number of players on this list (4). The semifinalists are announced on October 30, while the winner is announced on December 7. Let’s take a look at the five favorites to win this award in 2017.
5. CB Tarvarus McFadden Jr., Florida State
First up on the list is a Jack Tatum Award winner from 2016, which is given to the best cornerback in all of college football. Although he missed spring practice, he’s still on pace to return this season and be a force in the secondary for Florida State.
The Seminoles have National Championship hopes and part of it rests of McFadden Jr. and their defense. In his sophomore season at Tallahassee, James had eight interceptions, which was tied for the FBS lead. He combined that with 19 tackles, including three for loss.
He finished the season with a torn labrum, which left him sidelined during the offseason, but his athleticism and size should thrust him back into the Bednarik Award race. The Seminoles’ defensive back didn’t see the field as much during his freshman season, but became a reliable starter this past season.
Standing tall at 6-foot-2, McFadden Jr. has the ability to match up with most receivers in college football and take them away. One of the best corners in the country that will also be certainly be in the mix for this prestigious honor. Keep an eye out for his name throughout the season, as his stock is sure to rise.