When just one defensive player has even a remote chance at winning this year’s Heisman Trophy, you know his name will litter lists for awards centered on that side of the ball.
Coming off a dominating performance that was televised nationally for all to see, Ohio State’s Chase Young has commenced the hardware haul process as he was named as a Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist. All told, the defensive end was one of 20 semifinalists for the 2019 trophy, which was claimed last year by Kentucky defensive end Josh Allen.
No semifinalists or finalists for the 2018 award won by Allen are up for this year’s honor.
Positionally, the six linebackers are the most of any group, with defensive ends next up at five. There are also three defensive tackles, and two each from the cornerback and safety positions.
Ohio State, Oklahoma and Penn State are the only schools with more than one semifinalist. Of the 20 current semifinalists, six come from the SEC and five from the Big Ten.
