Nebraska DT Hutmacher makes Bednarik watch list

Nash Hutmacher is the latest Nebraska Cornhusker to be included on a major award watch list.

The senior defensive tackle was named to the list of preseason candidates for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given each year to college football’s most outstanding defender, on Monday.

He’s the fourth Husker to be named to a watch list this summer, joining Thomas Fidone , Isaac Gifford and Brian Buschini .

Hutmacher helped Nebraska have one of the top defenses in the country last season, starting all 12 games and racking up 40 tackles, 8 for loss and 4.5 sacks, which earned him All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and media.

Semifinalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 12 before the winner is revealed a month later.