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5 potential winners for the Chuck Bednarik Award, CFB’s Defensive Player of the Year

By Jerran Anderson

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 28: Kelvin Taylor #21 of the Florida Gators attempts to run past Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 28: Kelvin Taylor #21 of the Florida Gators attempts to run past Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

5. DT Ed Oliver, Houston

Houston Cougars defensive tackle Ed Oliver had a stellar freshman campaign in 2016. He had 65 tackles (46 solo, 19 assisted), 22.0 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, five sacks and two forced fumbles in the American Conference last season.

Oliver is prime for a big season in 2017 despite a coaching change in Houston. Although Tom Herman bolted for the Texas Longhorns job, the Cougars should still be in good shape on offense and defense. Head coach Major Applewhite returns eight starters on offense, despite losing dual-threat quarterback Greg Ward Jr.

Applewhite will kick off a new era for the Cougars while trying to find a starting quarterback, with plenty of options to choose from. Kyle Allen, a former starter with the Texas A&M Aggies, hopes to bring his SEC experience to challenge for the American Conference title in 2017.

The Cougars return seven starters on the defense, including Oliver. Oliver was the American Freshman of the Year, a first-team All-American Conference selection as well as a first-team All-American despite being only a freshman.

Oliver is due for a breakout year in 2017 so it’s no surprise he’s on this season’s Bednarik Award watch list. He started all 13 games in 2016 as a true freshman. He finished second in the American Conference and fourth in the FBS in tackles for loss.

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