The Chuck Bednarik Award, named after the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Eagles great, is awarded annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.
Prior to the college football season, there are 90 defensive players named to the watch list. This year’s watch list features two Georgia defenders, including cornerback Eric Stokes as well as senior safety Richard LeCounte.
Stokes had 38 total tackles in 2019 and led the Dawgs’ defense in pass breakups with a total of nine. He is now entering his second season as a starter at the cornerback position.
LeCounte, entering his senior season, is a vital piece to Georgia’s secondary. He is entering his third season as a starting safety with five interceptions, six pass breakups, five fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles in his career so far.
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Both Stokes and LeCounte could have easily been selected in this year’s NFL Draft, but decided to return to UGA with unfinished business and to work on their craft to up their draft stock.
The two helped the Bulldogs allow fewer points than any other team in 2019, ranking No. 1 in the country in scoring defense and allowing only 12.6 points per game. Georgia ranked No. 2 in rush defense, No. 2 in pass defense and No. 2 in total offense. On top of that, Georgia’s defense allowed only two rushing touchdowns for the whole year.
Past recipients of the award include Charles Woodson, Julius Peppers, David Pollack, Ndamukong Suh, Patrick Peterson, Aaron Donald, Chase Young and many other legendary defensive players. Former Georgia safety J.R. Reed was named a semifinalist in 2019 and former Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith was named a finalist in 2017.
Semifinalists of the Bednarik Award are to be announced on November 3rd, while finalists will be decided on November 23. The winner of the award will be announced at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 10th, followed by a presentation on March 12th, 2021 in Atlantic City, N.J.