Another year, another loaded defensive unit for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Once again they are boasting one of the nation’s most anticipated defensive units at all three levels.
Three of those stars on the Hawkeyes’ defense reside at the linebacker and defensive back position. Those three stars, just like being named to the Nagurski Watch List, have also been named to another watch list.
Linebackers Nick Jackson and Jay Higgins along with defensive back Sebastian Castro make up the trio of Hawkeyes on the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list.
🏆 @BednarikAward Watch List@castro2x5 @_jhigg @nickjhoops #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/XHpdFnqTNG
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 12, 2024
Presented by the Maxwell Football Club, the Bednarik Award is handed out each year to the College Football Defensive Player of the Year.
Established in 1995, the Chuck Bednarik Award is named after Chuck Bednarik. He was a former NFL All-Pro and current member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Despite their dominant defenses for the better part of the last decade, the Iowa Hawkeyes have yet to have a defender get their hands on the Chuck Bednarik Award at season’s end.
The trio of Castro, Jackson, and Higgins figure to be staples of Phil Parker’s defense and constantly around the ball. The three have a proven nose for the football with their ability to make countless tackles in space and force turnovers.
Contact/Follow on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Riley on X:Â @rileydonald7