Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto added to Bednarik Award watch list

Oklahoma linebacker Nik Bonitto was added to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list on Thursday.

One of the breakout defenders on the Oklahoma defense this season has without question been redshirt sophomore linebacker Nik Bonitto.

On Thursday, Bonitto was added to the final watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.

Bonitto has started every game this year for Alex Grinch’s defense and leads the team in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (9). Those are good enough to put him inside the top ten in the Big 12 in both categories.

He also has 24 total tackles on the season with two pass breakups while being credited with a team-high nine quarterback hurries.

His teammate Ronnie Perkins was named to the preseason watch list for the award as well, so he joins him in contention for the honor. The semifinalists will be announced later this week on Dec. 6th.

Oklahoma will host Baylor in the regular season finale Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. CT at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

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