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The Bednarik Award is named after Chuck Bednarik, the two-time NFL champion and 10-time All-Pro linebacker, who played from 1949-62. The award is presented alongside the Maxwell Football Award and by the Maxwell Football Club. The Bednarik Award goes to the best defensive player in college football.
CJ Nunnally IV, Defensive End, Akron
Akron is searching for footing in the Mid-American Conference and has laid a solid foundation with Nunnally. Nunally was an impact in every game for the Zips last season and earned first team All-MAC honors while recording 7 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss.
Tre Freeman, Linebacker, Duke
Freeman is a redshirt junior that is continuing to improve yearly. After a stellar 2023 campaign, Freeman is a pre-season All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. He hopes to lead Duke to an ACC championship appearance and the Bednarik trophy to those accomplishments in 2024.
Shavon Revel, Cornerback, East Carolina
Revel is a lengthy defensive back with good range and hands. He knocked down 14 passes and had 1 interception during his junior season, earning him second team All-American Athletic Conference honors.
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Quincy Riley, Cornerback, Louisville
Riley is a solid senior leader for the Cardinals. His balance and dependability have him on the 2024 Bednarik Award Watch List. Riley is a tactical defender who recorded 3 interceptions and 10 pass breakups last season.
Ashton Gillotte, Defensive End, Louisville
Gillotte is no surprise to this list. He was named to the 2023 Chuck Bednarik Midseason Watch List and is no stranger to accolades on or off the field as Gilotte was also named to the ACC All-Academic team. The Cardinals have a force to be reckoned with with Gillotte and the defensive line.
Matt Salopek, Linebacker, Miami (OH)
Salopek is the 2023 MAC Defensive Player of the Year and with performances like last season, the Bednarik trophy could be the next accolade on this all-star’s resume. Salopek is trying to record his fourth straight season with more than 100 tackles.
Davin Vann, Defensive End, North Carolina State
Vann is a tenacious defensive presence who plays with high intensity and speed. The Wolfpack’s Payton Wilson won the Bendarik Award last season and Vann will do his best to ensure the trophy stays in Raleigh, N.C.
Kaimon Rucker, Defensive End, North Carolina
Rucker is a dependable and charismatic athlete. He recorded 8.5 sacks last season and was named to the All-ACC second team. In his final year, Rucker will anchor the Tar Heel defense and is vying to add his name to the Bednarik trophy.
Power Echols, Linebacker, North Carolina
Echols is homegrown out of Charlotte, N.C., making his city and state proud with his exceptional play as a Tar Heel. Echols was one of seven players in the ACC to record more than 100 tackles in 2023 and he, along with Rucker, will frustrate offenses in 2024.
Jasheen Davis, Defensive End, Wake Forest
Davis is an overlooked star at Wake Forest but his presence on the Bednarik Watch List is well earned. During his junior season, Davis ranked in the top 40 in sacks nationally and No. 5 in the ACC. This season Davis hopes to continue to improve on those rankings.
Check out who else made the Bednarik Award Watch List!
The 2024 Bednarik Award Watch List: 71-80
Also, check out who is on the Maxwell Award Watch List!
This article is brought to you by the Maxwell Football Club, home of the prestigious Maxwell & Chuck Bednarik Awards. Become a member of the Maxwell Football Club and gain the exclusive privilege of voting for these and other nationally-recognized awards.
With over 75 years of honoring football’s finest, the Maxwell Football Club offers you the unique opportunity to help recognize top talent from high school to the professional level. By joining, you’ll be part of a tradition that celebrates excellence and helps shape the game's future.
Be part of the excitement at the Maxwell Football Awards Gala held in March 2025 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. At the Gala, you will experience the official presentation of the awards. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to football history. Become a member TODAY by visiting https://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/jointheclub.
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