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

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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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 5: (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 5: (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

3. DE Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes saw their National Championship hopes dashed early in a 31-0 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl. It was head coach Urban Meyer’s first shutout loss of his career.

As a result, the Buckeyes saw a lot of seniors return looking for vengeance including defensive end Tyquan Lewis. Lewis earned the Big Ten’s Defensive Lineman of the Year award in 2016 despite recording only 29 tackles (17 solo, 12 assisted). He did lead the team in sacks with eight and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors.

Offensively, quarterback J.T. Barrett hopes to find his touch in the passing game again. He hopes to return to his 2014 form when he finished fourth in Heisman voting. With the majority of starters returning (8 on offense, 7 on defense), the Buckeyes look to be the early favorites to win the Big Ten title.

Lewis was part of a unit that allowed just 15.5 points per game in 2016, third in the FBS. He recorded 10.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups, leading the team in both tackles for loss and sacks.

Lewis numbers were down compared to 2015, however, some of that had to do with his move from defensive tackle to the edge at defensive end. With some experience now under his belt, he looks prime to produce at a high level as evidenced with a spot on the Bednarik Award watch list.