Defense wins championships, as they say. Elite defenses are often thanks to elite defenders. The Bednarik Award highlights the top defensive talent in all of college football. On Tuesday, 17 semifinalists were announced, with three coming from the Big Ten. The SEC leads the way with seven, while the Big 12 added three, with one each from the MAC, ACC, AAC, and Notre Dame.
This year, one finalist returned and has earned semifinalist status, making him the favorite.
Three Big Ten Defenders Named Bednarik Award Semifinalists
Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
The leader of the Indiana defense, Aiden Fisher, is not a surprise to be up for the Bednarik Award, considering his consistent top-tier play. After putting up 100+ tackles in each of his last two seasons, Fisher is well on his way to a third. The senior linebacker paces the Hoosiers’ defense with 58 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two-and-a-half sacks, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions, including a 25-yard pick-six.
Last year, Fisher was a first-team All-American from Phil Steele and the FWAA, while Sporting News and Sports Illustrated named him on the second team. This year, in addition to the Bednarik Award, Fisher is a semifinalist for the Butkus and Lombardi Awards. Fisher can become the first Hoosier to win the Bednarik Award.
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Perhaps the greatest breakout on the Buckeye defense this year has been Arvell Reese. The third-year linebacker went from “who is replacing Cody Simon” to potential top-10 pick territory. This year, Reese has totaled 55 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six-and-a-half sacks, and two pass breakups. NFL scouts have been raving about Reese, from his explosiveness to his strength. He and Downs are one of two sets of teammates on the Bednarik Award semifinalist list. In addition, Reese is a semifinalist for the Lombardi and Butkus Awards.
Despite this being his first season as a full-time starter, NFL folks are salivating. His rare blend of athleticism and production has catapulted him from a relative unknown to a potential top-10 pick. Some are even going so far as to say he could be the number-one pick. He and Downs are looking to become the second Buckeye to take home the award, joining Chase Young (2019).
The Field
- C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
- Xavier Atkins, LB, Auburn
- David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (FL)
- John Henry Daley, DE, Utah
- Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
- Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M
- Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
- Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
- Quincy Rhodes Jr., DE, Arkansas
- Landon Robinson, NT, Navy
- Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
- R Mason Thomas, DL, Oklahoma
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Three Big Ten Newcomers Named Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Semifinalists - Two Big Ten Safeties Honored as Lott IMPACT Trophy Semifinalists
- Big Ten Leads The Way With Six Maxwell Award Semifinalists
Main Image: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
