Penn State Football’s Abdul Carter & KJ Winston Named To Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List

Penn State football defensive end Abdul Carter and safety KJ Winston have both been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday. The award is given to college football’s most outstanding defensive player.

Carter, entering his junior year, is trying to make a splash after moving from linebacker to defensive end following last season. The Philadelphia native earned All-Big Ten first-team honors in a year where he amassed 48 total tackles, four and a half sacks, and one forced fumble.

Winston is also hoping to build on a good sophomore season as he earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention at the end of last year. Winston led Penn state with 60 total tackles while pitching in five pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and an interception.

Both players are looking to become the fourth Nittany Lion to win the award after LaVar Arrington, Paul Posluszny, and Dan Connor.

Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on November 12 and the three finalists for the award will be revealed on November 26.