PHILADELPHIA, Pa. –– The University of Tulsa's Zaven Collins was named today as a semifinalist for the 26th Chuck Bednarik Award given to the nation's Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year, it was announced by Maxwell Football Club Executive Director Mark Wolpert.
Collins is one of 18 Bednarik semifinalists. The field of contenders is comprised of fresh faces, all of whom are making their debuts as Bednarik Award semifinalists.
The linebacker has now been named to the semifinalist list for two of the nation's most prestigious defensive awards. Last week, Collins was named a semifinalist to the Butkus Award for the nation's best linebacker.