Latest news with #Bednarik
USA Today
12-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Pair of Florida Gators named to 2025 Bednarik Award preseason watch list
The Maxwell Football Club recently released its preseason watch list for the 2025 Chuck Bednarik Award, which included a pair of Florida football players. 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. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
07-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Is Travis Hunter playing in preseason opener? Jaguars coach says CB/WR will play both ways
Jacksonville Jaguars fans will not have to wait much longer to see Travis Hunter play for their favorite team. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen told reporters Thursday that Hunter will play snaps at both cornerback and wide receiver in Jacksonville's preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Hunter was listed as a starting wide receiver on Jacksonville's first unofficial depth chart alongside second-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and newcomer Dyami Brown. On defense, Hunter is listed as a second-string cornerback behind Tyson Campbell and Jourdan Lewis. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has been a hot topic since before he was drafted, thanks to his ability to play on both sides of the football. Hunter starred at both of his positions of wide receiver and cornerback during his time in college, and parlayed that success to Bednarik and Heisman Trophy wins as well as highly elevated draft stock. TRAVIS HUNTER: Jaguars depth chart lists No. 2 pick as starting WR, backup CB During his final season at Colorado, Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a receiver. He also recorded 36 tackles, 11 pass defenses, four interceptions and a game-sealing forced fumble as a cornerback. Based on his depth chart position and reports out of Jaguars training camp, it appears the team is preparing to give Hunter more opportunities on offense. But he'll get his first chances playing on both sides of the ball as a pro on Saturday.
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Travis Hunter makes CBS Sports' top 10 most dynamic college football players since 2000
Travis Hunter makes CBS Sports' top 10 most dynamic college football players since 2000 Former Colorado Buffaloes superstar Travis Hunter is without question the top two-way player in college football history. But does that mean he is the most dynamic? CBS Sports' Brad Crawford ranked the 25 most dynamic college football players over the past 25 years, and Hunter, the lone Colorado Buffalo on the list, came in at No. 6. Running back Reggie Bush (USC) ranked No. 1, followed by quarterbacks Cam Newton (Auburn), Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M), Lamar Jackson (Louisville) and Vince Young (Texas). Former Oklahoma standout running back Adrian Peterson fell one spot behind Hunter at No. 7. Perhaps Crawford ranking Hunter only at No. 6 has something to do with how he defines "dynamic." He wrote that he prioritized players who "jumped off the screen" in big games or demonstrated their dominance with elite athleticism, speed, or talent. Hunter did not play in many big games at Colorado, but his athleticism and talent checked Crawford's criteria. No recency bias here -- when you become the first player in history to win the Bednarik and the Biletnikoff, it sticks. Hunter's Heisman win last season was unprecedented as the two-way starter played considerably more snaps than any player in college football history during a single season. He was special with the ball in his hands and made it a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks with ball skills and closing speed at cornerback that was second to none. In his final season at Colorado, Hunter racked up 96 receptions for 1,258 receiving yards and 16 total touchdowns on offense while adding 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, four interceptions and a forced fumble. His Heisman-winning junior season propelled him to the top of NFL draft boards, ultimately leading to him becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft. Hunter is attempting to become the first full-time two-way player in the NFL and has been working at both wide receiver and cornerback during the Jacksonville Jaguars' offseason practices. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads, and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Nebraska football great eligible for Hall of Fame ballot
Nebraska football great eligible for Hall of Fame ballot The National Football Foundation has announced the names under consideration for induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, and a Nebraska football great has qualified for the ballot. Ndamukong Suh played at Nebraska from 2005 to 2009. His senior season, in 2009, is one of the legendary seasons in college football. During that year, Suh played in 14 games and recorded 85 tackles, 20.5 for loss, and 12.0 sacks. He was a finalist for the 2009 Heisman trophy and was the first defensive player named the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year. Here is how the College Football Hall of Fame described his Husker "2009 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland trophies…2009 AP College Player of the Year became the first defensive lineman in 15 seasons to be named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy (4th in 2009)…2009 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year tied the Nebraska record for single-game TFL (7 vs. Texas) in the 2009 Big 12 title game." Suh was drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL draft. He's also played for Miami, Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia. The 2026 Hall of Fame ballot includes 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from the divisional ranks. The announcement of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2026, with specific details to be announced in the future. The class will be officially inducted in Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
02-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Aaron Donald named to 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot
Aaron Donald named to 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot Aaron Donald isn't eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame until 2029, but he could make another all-time list in 2026. But while Donald still has a few years before he can be enshrined in Canton for his NFL career, his college career could be recognized sooner. The former Pittsburgh Panthers star was named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted on Dec. 8, 2026. Donald dominated the college ranks during his time at Pitt. He was a 2013 unanimous First Team All-American and won the Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland trophies. He finished his time in college as Pitt's all-time tackles for a loss leader with 66. Donald added 29.5 sacks as well. The Los Angeles Rams took Donald with the No. 13 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He went on to make 10 Pro Bowl teams in his 10 NFL seasons, as well as eight All-Pro teams and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Donald tallied 111 sacks in his NFL career.
