Pitt defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman has emerged as one of the top defenders in the country this season, and as a result, his name was added to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list on Thursday. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club. Twyman joins Pitt safety Damar Hamlin on the list.
At the onset of the season, Twyman was listed as a backup behind Keyshon Camp at defensive tackle, but Camp’s season came to an end after he suffered a knee injury on Aug. 31. Since then, Twyman has distinguished himself as a leader on Pitt’s defense by accruing six sacks and seven tackles for losses in a span of six games.