The Chuck Bednarik Award is given annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football, and this year’s list of players making the preseason watch list features the Group of Five well represented in several conferences.
A total of 15 G5 players were recognised by the Maxwell Football Club, which presents this award annually.
SEC (21), ACC (19), Big10 (19), Big12 (13), AAC (4), MAC (4), Mountain West (4) and Sunbelt (3). There are also 3 independent candidates.
Here’s a look at each Group of Five player who earned a spot on the list.
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CJ Nunnally IV: Akron – EN
Statistics 2023: 65 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks
Ahmed Hassanein: Boise State – DE
Statistics 2023: 53 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks
Jordan Oladokun: Bowling Green – CB
Statistics 2023: 30 tackles, four interceptions
Shavon Revel: East Carolina – CB
Statistics 2023: 54 tackles, one interception
Chandler Martin: Memphis – LB
Statistics 2023: 95 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss
Matt Salopek: Miami (OH) – LB
Statistics 2023: 143 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss
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Colin Ramos: Navy – LB
Statistics 2023: 110 tackles, nine tackles for loss
Jason Henderson: Old Dominion – LB
Statistics 2023: 170 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss
Jaden Voisin: South Alabama – p
2023 stats: 71 tackles, four interceptions
Ben Bell: Texas State – DE
Statistics 2023: 57 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 10 sacks
Maxen Hook: Toledo – S
Statistics 2023: 69 tackles, three interceptions
Patrick Jenkins: Tulane – DT
Statistics 2023: 35 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks
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Jackson Woodard: UNLV – LB
Statistics 2023: 116 tackles, nine tackles for loss
Ike Larsen: Utah State – S
2023 stats: 103 tackles, four interceptions
Jordan Bertagnole: Wyoming – DT
Statistics 2023: 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks
