|
Mercilus Added to Bednarik Watch List
SOUTHAMPTON,
Pa. - Illinois junior defensive end Whitney Mercilus is one of 11
players added to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, the Maxwell
Football Club announced today. The Bednarik Award has been presented to
the nation's top defensive player since 1995.
Mercilus anchors
the Fighting Illini defense that has helped the Fighting Illini to a
6-0 record, the program's best start in 60 years. He leads the nation
with 8.5 sacks and is second nationally in sacks per game (1.42),
fourth in forced fumbles per game (0.67) and sixth in TFLs per game
(1.75). Mercilus was recently named CFPA National Defensive Lineman of
the Week after his 5 tackle, 4.0 TFL, 3.0 sack, two forced fumble
performance in Illinois' 41-20 win at Indiana on Oct. 8.
The
Bednarik list was comprised of 65 players, who were selected based on
their performances during the 2010 season. As the 2011 season has
progressed, the Club believes that several additional players warrant
attention because of their noteworthy play.
Semifinalists for
the Bednarik Award will be announced on October 31st and three
finalists for the award will be announced November 21st. The winner of
the 2011 Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot
ESPNU College Football Awards Show which will be held on December 8th.
The formal presentation of the award will be made at the Maxwell
Football Club Awards Gala hosted by Harrah's Entertainment Atlantic
City on March 2, 2012.
Mercilus and the Illini will look to
improve to 7-0 when they host Ohio State at Memorial Stadium this
Saturday, Oct. 15 at 2:30 pm CDT. Illinois is looking to "Stripe the
Stadium" against the Buckeyes.
Full List of 2011 Bednarik Award Candidates
ILLINI ON 2011 WATCH LISTS (through Oct. 11):
Jeff Allen - Lowe's Senior CLASS Award (Senior Student-Athlete), Rotary Lombardi Award (Lineman), Outland Trophy (Interior Line)
Derek Dimke - Lou Groza Award (PK)
Jason Ford - Doak Walker Award (RB)
A.J. Jenkins - Biletnikoff Award (WR)
Whitney Mercilus - Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of Year)
Nathan Scheelhaase - Maxwell Award (Player of the Year), Davey O'Brien Award (QB)
Akeem Spence - Bronko Nagurski Trophy (Best Defensive Player), Outland Trophy Watch List (Interior Line)
|
