The Chuck Bednarik Award preseason watch list just dropped, and guess what? Ohio State is absolutely *stacked* with defensive talent already making waves. Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and safety Earl Little Jr. both landed on that prestigious list, signaling huge things to come for the Buckeyes’ defense.
Jackson Jr. Is An Absolute Force Off The Edge
Talk about a player getting recognized early! Jackson’s name is popping up everywhere. This isn’t even his first rodeo on the preseason hype circuit; he’s already been tabbed for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and the Nagurski watch lists. Yeah, that’s THREE major lists for the big man, making him a serious contender for national attention before a single snap! Remember watching this guy last season? He was an absolute terror! He just got better and better as the year wore on, honestly, looking straight-up unblockable at times. Seriously, we all saw those uncalled holding penalties trying to slow him down, right? The dude still racked up an insane 28 tackles, with a jaw-dropping 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Those aren’t just numbers, folks. That’s pure, unadulterated dominance off the edge for Matt Patricia’s defense. He is absolutely, without a doubt, poised for a monster year. Get ready!
Earl Little Jr. Brings Veteran Firepower and Playmaking Chops
And let’s not forget Earl Little Jr. making his own noise! He’s already on his second major preseason watch list, picking up a spot on the Thorpe list earlier this year. This kid’s got a resume that speaks volumes too, joining Ohio State after spending two seasons balling out at Florida State and another two at Alabama. That’s a ton of high-level experience he’s bringing to the Buckeyes! He was a captain for the Seminoles just last season, showing incredible leadership and skill. He straight-up led that team with a whopping 76 tackles. But wait, there’s more: we’re talking four interceptions for 83 yards, two forced fumbles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups in just 12 games, 11 of them starts. Those are legitimate, game-changing playmaking stats! With Caleb Downs gone, a guy who was clearly the “heart and soul” of that defense, you know the pressure’s on Little to step into that same crucial role. He absolutely has the talent and the experience to own it, no doubt in my mind.
The Bednarik Award is the real deal, folks. We’re talking about the best college football defensive player of the year, period. It’s a massive honor. Ohio State’s only had one winner since the award started in 1995, the absolute legend Chase Young, who dominated in 2019. He didn’t just win a bunch of defensive awards; he even went to New York as a Heisman Finalist! That’s the kind of company Jackson and Little Jr. are looking to join. So, can these two Buckeye studs etch their names into that history? Can they bring home another Bednarik to Columbus? We’ll know for sure on December 11th, when the winner is announced during ESPN’s Home Depot College Awards Show. Get ready, because this defensive duo is about to light it up. You absolutely don’t want to miss watching them this season!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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