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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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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. CB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

When thinking of ball-hawking cornerbacks in the FBS, it’s hard not to include Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award last season, awarded to the nation’s top defensive back in college football. So it comes as no surprise he’s on this season’s Bednarik Award watch list.

It probably won’t be the only watch list Fitzpatrick is on, but this is the first watch list he appears on. After returning two interceptions for touchdowns in 2016, Fitzpatrick returns in 2017 as one of the top cornerbacks in college football.

The Crimson Tide offense is also in a good place with quarterback Jalen Hurts leading the way. He became the first freshman quarterback to start under head coach Nick Saban. With a new offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll, Alabama could run the tables in the SEC again.

Fitzpatrick was a consensus All-American, first-team All-SEC selection after leading the SEC in interceptions and interception return yards (186). He was also third in the FBS in interception return yards.

Alabama returns only five starters on defense but with a ton of talent waiting in the wings, having Fitzpatrick elevates the secondary in any case. He recorded 66 tackles (42 solo, 24 assisted), seven pass breakups, six interceptions, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

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