Abdul Carter, a standout edge rusher for Penn State, was one of three contenders for the Bednarik Award, which is given to the best defensive player in college football.
The other candidates were Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter.
The prize, which was revealed Thursday night on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards event, went to Hunter, who also makes a difference at wideout.
Chuck Bednarik, a former great at the University of Pennsylvania who later became a star with the Philadelphia Eagles, is honored with the Bednarik Award.
Hunter’s impact on both offense and defense may make him the first player selected in the 2025 NFL draft.
When questioned about winning the Bednarik on the ESPN show, Hunter responded, “It means a lot to me.”
I started working on the first day. I’m thrilled to receive this honor since it will show many people my defense stance.
In 2024, Hunter recorded 32 tackles, one tackle for loss, four interceptions, 11 passes defensed, and one forced fumble.
Carter, who was selected as a linebacker for the 2023 First Team All-Big Ten, won this season’s Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award.
In 13 games, he has recorded three quarterback hurries, seven quarterback hurries, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 19.5 tackles for loss.
Carter’s 11-2 The sixth-seeded Penn State squad in the 2017 collegiate playoffs will play 11th-seeded SMU (11-2) at Beaver Stadium on December 21 in the opening round.
LaVar Arrington (1999), Paul Posluszny (2005, 2006), and Dan Connor (2007) are previous Penn State Bednarik Award winners.
In terms of the fewest yards allowed per game (282.1), fewest points allowed per game (16.4), and fewest rushing yards per game (103.6), the Penn State defense is presently ranked sixth in the FBS.
After Penn State defeated Maryland 44-7 at Beaver Stadium on November 30, Carter remarked, “We don’t flinch.”
We embrace hardship rather than allowing it to control us.
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