Alabama Linebacker Named Bednarik Semifinalist

Alabama's defense has reversed its trajectory this season, largely in part to the play of the linebackers Denotae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell.

Get our free mobile app

Both players are viewed as top-75 players in the 2025 NFL draft, and Jihaad Campbell has become a household name in the SEC. Campbell leads Alabama in tackles with 78 and also co-leads Alabama in sacks with four.

Campbell has added two pass deflections, one interception, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery on the season.

Campbell has shown out this season, and it's been recognized by national awards voters. Johaad Campbell has been named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, awarded annually to the top defensive player in college football.

Here is the full list of Semifinalists, listed alphabetically by school:

Jihaad Campbell - Alabama
Donovan Ezeiruaku - Boston College
Noah Williams - California
Travis Hunter - Colorado
Malaki Starks - Georgia
Mikail Kamara - Indiana
Jay Higgins - Iowa
Mike Green - Marshall
Mason Graham - Michigan
Xavier Watts - Notre Dame
Caleb Downs - Ohio State
Chris Paul Jr. - Ole Miss
Walter Nolen - Ole Miss
Abdul Carter - Penn State
Kyle Kennard - South Carolina
James Pearce Jr. - Tennessee
Anthony Hill Jr. - Texas
Jahdae Barron - Texas
Nic Scourton - Texas A&M
Antwaun Powell-Ryland - Virginia Tech

The Bednarik Award will be awarded on December 12, 2024, on the ESPN College Football Awards Show.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.