Defensive tackle Ed Oliver is following up his stellar All-American campaign in 2016 with another season of hard hits, sacks and overall dominance for the Cougars.
A few weeks after being named a mid-season All-American, Oliver is again being recognized as a Bednarik Award Semifinalist of 2017, the NCAA announced on Monday. The award is presented annually to the top defensive player in the country. The young NFL hopeful has not allowed the dreaded sophomore slump to plague his second season in Houston’s defense.
Expectations for the 6-foot-3-inch, 290-pound sophomore could not have been higher after his first season, which saw Oliver post 66 total tackles, five sacks, 23 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.