Bednarik Award Presented to the Outstanding Defensive Player in College Football
The Maxwell Football Club announced on Monday its 2021 Semifinalists for the 27th Chuck Bednarik Award powered by Mammoth Tech. The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football. Among the 18 defensive players in the nation named a semifinalist is University of Wyoming linebacker Chad Muma.
Muma is one of only two Mountain West players named semifinalists for this year’s Chuck Bednarik Award. San Diego State defensive end Cameron Thomas was also selected as a semifinalist.
2021 Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalists
Will Anderson Alabama OLB SEC
Roger McCreary Auburn CB SEC
Ahmad Gardner Cincinnati CB AAC
Jermaine Johnson Florida State DE ACC
Jordan Davis Georgia DT SEC
Nakobe Dean Georgia LB SEC
Aidan Hutchinson Michigan DE Big 10
Kyle Hamilton Notre Dame S IND
Nik Bonitto Oklahoma LB Big 12
Kayvon Thibodeaux Oregon OLB PAC 12
Jaquan Brisker Penn State S Big 10
George Karlaftis Purdue DE Big 10
Cameron Thomas San Diego State DE Mountain West
Kingsley Enagbare South Carolina DE SEC
DeMarvin Leal Texas A&M DT SEC
Devin Lloyd Utah LB PAC 12
Leo Chenal Wisconsin LB Big 10
Chad Muma Wyoming LB Mountain West
Muma is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation in solo tackles (6.5 per game) and ranked No. 10 in the nation in total tackles (9.8 per game). He is also tied for No. 1 in the nation in interceptions returned for touchdowns, with two Pick Sixes on the season. He has recorded double figures in tackles in seven of eight games this season.
Muma first made his mark as one of the nation’s top linebackers in 2020. He ranked No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 3 in the nation in tackles, averaging 11.8 tackles per game. He also ranked No. 16 in the nation in solo tackles, averaging 5.5 per game. Muma was selected First Team All-Mountain West by MW head coaches and media in 2020.
