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4 B1G defensive players highlighted by Chuck Bednarik Award committee
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Four Big Ten players got listed as ‘Who’s Hot’ for the Chuck Bednarik Award this week.
The annual award for the nation’s top defensive player recognized more players from the Big Ten this week than any other conference. The Chuck Bednarik Award is given by the Maxwell Football Club to the nation’s top defensive player in college football.
Last season, former Ohio State defensive end Chase Young won the award from the organization.
A look at who the award highlighted this week:
Jack Campbell (linebacker, Iowa):
The long and athletic Campbell is earning more reps, especially on passing downs. Despite playing just 23 snaps, Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked linebacker of Week 15 had four tackles, a stop for loss, a pick and three pass breakups.
Durell Nchami (linebacker, Maryland):
… the young outside linebacker gave glimpses of his considerable upside potential, while earning Pro Football Focus’ highest mark for an edge defender. All three of Nchami’s tackles were behind the line, including two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Mariano Sori-Marin (linebacker, Minnesota):
Sori-Marin anchored a defense that shut down the Huskers for much of the afternoon, allowing just four passing first downs. The junior from Illinois doubled his previous high for tackles in a game, making 18 stops and forcing a fumble as Minnesota held on, 24-17.
Mike Tverdov (defensive end, Rutgers):
The Scarlet Knights won their third Big Ten road game of 2020 by dominating Maryland at the line of scrimmage. Schiano’s D had 13 tackles for loss, including four from Tverdov, who also had two of his unit’s six sacks.