Ad Disclosure
2 B1G stars highlighted by Chuck Bednarik Award after huge performances
Published:
Two Big Ten players earned national recognition this week from the nation’s most coveted defensive player award.
It was a big week for both Iowa defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon and Michigan State linebacker Antjuan Simmons. Both players were named “Who’s Hot” by the Chuck Bednarik award, given to the nation’s top defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club.
The Maxwell Football Club hands out the Bednarik Award as well as the Maxwell Award, given to the nation’s top player.
In Iowa’s 26-20 win over Nebraska last Saturday, the club notes that “Nixon was too quick for the Husker O-line, with three of his eight tackles occurring behind the line, including a sack of Adrian Martinez.”
There was similar praise for Simmons, as the linebacker was crucial in Michigan State knocking off Northwestern, who came into the game 5-0 and No. 8 in the nation. In a truly outstanding game, the Maxwell Football Club notes that “Simmons spearheaded the run D with a game-high 13 tackles, including two for loss and a Peyton Ramsey sack.”
Last season, Ohio State defensive end Chase Young won the Bednarik Award. Young went on to become the No. 2 overall pick of the Washington Football Team.
The Maxwell Award winner, coincidentally, was Joe Burrow who was the top pick in the draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow was a transfer to LSU out of Ohio State.