ESPN announces Top 4 finalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award

The Chuck Bednarik award is given annually to the top defensive player in college football. With just one week remaining in the regular season, the 2021 finalists for the Bednarik award have been revealed.

The most recent winner of the Bednarik award was Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins last season. Chase Young, Josh Allen, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Jonathan Allen are the other winners from the last five seasons.

With many players vying for a spot as a finalist for the Bednarik award, narrowing the list down to four was difficult. But ultimately these players have established themselves as the best defensive players in the nation.

The 2021 Chuck Bednarik Award finalists

Will Anderson Jr., Alabama

Jordan Davis, Georgia

Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

The impact of these four defensive stars has been obvious across the college football world all season long.

Anderson has established himself as a star on Alabama’s defense. On the season, he has 79 total tackles, including 44 solo stops. Anderson also has 13.0 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss to go along with two passes defended.

Davis has totaled 23 tackles this season along with two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. The numbers might not seem worthy of a Bednarik Award nomination, but his true value comes against the run. Davis is one of the best defenders in the nation in stopping the run. He has a massive frame that constantly puts pressure on opposing offensive lines.

Some experts are calling for Anderson and Davis to be candidates for the 2021 Heisman Trophy. The two will get to face off with each other in the SEC Championship game, a game that will have a major impact on the final College Football Playoff selections.

Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton has established himself as arguably the best defensive back in college football. On the season, he has 35 tackles, two tackles for loss, seven passes defended and three interceptions. Hamilton has missed recent games due to injury, but his dominance is undeniable when he’s on the field. He is likely to be a top ten pick, maybe even top five, in the upcoming NFL Draft.

In nine games this season, Thibodeaux has 42 tackles, six sacks, 10 tackles for loss, one pass defended, and two forced fumbles. He is a dominant force on the edge of Oregon’s defensive front and is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Thibodeaux is the consensus first overall pick in the next NFL Draft.