Four Seminoles Make Bednarik Watch List

Four Florida State players were named to the preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award.

The award which goes to the nation’s best defensive player is named after Penn and NFL legend Chuck Bednarik and has been given by the Maxwell Football Club since 1995. No FSU player has ever won the award.

Making the list for FSU were safety Derwin James, cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and linebacker Matthew Thomas. James, a redshirt sophomore, made the list despite playing in just two games last season, recording 11 tackles and an interception before going down with a season-ending meniscus tear.

McFadden, a junior, won the Jack Tatum Award last season after leading the nation with eight interceptions and was named a first-team All-American by FWAA. McFadden also recorded 20 tackles, three for loss, and 14 pass break-ups as a sophomore.

Nnadi, a senior, made the list after finishing with 49 total tackles a season ago, including 10.5 for loss and six sacks. Nnadi also had a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Thomas, a senior, led the Seminoles with 77 total tackles a season ago, which included 11 stops for loss. Thomas added a sack, a forced fumble and two pass break-ups.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson