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Earlier this week, the 2018 Bednarik Award watch list was unveiled. To no surprise, there’s some SEC stars featured on the list.
The Alabama Crimson Tide feature three of their players on the watch list. Defensive lineman Raekwon Davis and linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Mack Wilson made the cut. They served as anchors on the National Championship team from a season ago, and the three juniors figure to do it again. Elsewhere in the state of Alabama, the Auburn Tigers had two players named to the list. Junior cornerback Javaris Davis and senior defensive tackle Dontavius Russell are the two Tigers who were recognized. They held serve on a defense that helped Auburn win the SEC West a season ago, and are fixing to wreak havoc once more.
David Reese of the Florida Gators landed a spot on the list, as the junior linebacker finds himself with a chance to win the award. Reese was spectacular as a sophomore and should only get better with age this coming season.
The Georgia Bulldogs, last year’s National Runner Up and SEC Champions, had a player named to the watch list. Senior cornerback Deandre Baker, who will no doubt be a force in the Dawgs’ secondary this season, was recognized and put on the list. Fellow All-SEC Preseason First Teamer J.R. Reed did not make the cut, but may still find himself in contention later on.
The Kentucky Wildcats picked up two names on the list, as safety Mike Edwards and linebacker Josh Allen were named. The LSU Tigers also had two players named, as Greedy Williams and Devin White will be in contention for the award. Another duo is the dynamic one on the defensive line for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Montez Sweat and Jeffery Simmons are featured among the many who will be vying for the honor. Texas A&M also has a duo up for the honor, as defensive tackle Kingsley Keke and linebacker Tyrel Dodson were thrown down on the list.
Finally, Mzzou’s Terry Beckner Jr., South Carolina’s D.J. Wonnum, Tennessee’s Nigel Warrior and Vanderbilt’s Charles Wright were also featured on the giant watch list.