Alabama defensive duo named to preseason watch list for 2025 Bednarik Award
Those two players are defensive tackle Tim Keenan III and inside linebacker Deontae Lawson, both of which return as starters for the Crimson Tide in 2025.
Keenan, a redshirt senior, is a multi-year starter at defensive tackle for the Crimson Tide who should be among the top players at the position in the SEC this fall. The defensive tackle is coming off a year in which he had 40 tackles, eight TFL, and 2.5 sacks, and was also recently named to the Nagurski preseason watch list, alongside Lawson.
Lawson, also a redshirt senior, returns as a starter at inside linebacker, and is coming off an injury shortened 2024 season where he served as one of Alabama's team captains. Expected to be among college football's top inside linebackers this fall, Lawson ended last season with 76 tackles, seven TFL, two sacks, and an interception.
Alabama has seen three players win the Bednarik Award previously, which were Jonathan Allen (2016), Minkah Fitzpatrick (2017), and Will Anderson Jr. (2022).
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