Pair of Florida Gators named to 2025 Bednarik Award preseason watch list
Defensive tackle Caleb Banks, along with edge defender Tyreak Sapp, were both named to the prestigious projection of college football's most outstanding defensive players.
Last year, Banks played in 12 games — starting in 10 — totalling 21 tackles, 10 of which were solo tackles and seven tackles-for-loss, while also recording 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and recovered one fumble. So far this preseason, he has also earned a mention on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, which is awarded to the best defensive player in college football.
Sapp played in all 13 games with nine starts in 2024, leading the team with seven sacks, 13 tackles-for-loss and two forced fumbles while also earning the highest PFF grade among all qualified Florida players with 90.4 — ranking him eighth highest among all FBS edge rushers and fifth highest among all SEC edge rushers. That was the highest ranking of any Florida defender since Jonathan Greenard in 2019, who posted a PFF ranking of 90.5.
About the Bednarik Award
Established in 1995, the Chuck Bednarik Award is a prestigious honor in college football, awarded annually to the most outstanding defensive player. This accolade recognizes exceptional talent, tenacity, and impact on the defensive side of the game. The award is named in tribute to Chuck Bednarik, a revered figure in football history known for his remarkable career as a linebacker.
Chuck Bednarik, a legendary player for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 to 1962, is celebrated for his distinctive contributions to the sport. Renowned for his versatility, Bednarik was the last player in NFL history to play both offense and defense full-time. His remarkable career includes two NFL Championships and ten First-Team All-Pro selections, underscoring his dominance and versatility on the field. Bednarik's legacy is further cemented by his enshrinement in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
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