WKU Linebacker JaQues Evans Receives Nod for Prestigious Chuck Bednarik Award
WKU linebacker JaQues Evans has been recognized for his exceptional performance on the football field, as he has been nominated for the prestigious Chuck Bednarik Award. The Maxwell Football Club recently announced their watch list for the 29th Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.
Named in honor of Chuck Concrete Charlie Bednarik, a legendary player who excelled at the University of Pennsylvania and later as a linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994. Bednarik is esteemed for his accomplishments in both college and professional football, and his legacy lives on through this prestigious award.
Evans, a sophomore linebacker for WKU, had an impressive 2022 season, leading his team with 106 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and nine sacks. His contributions extended beyond tackling, as he also broke up four passes, hurried the quarterback eight times, and recovered two fumbles. Notably, in the game against Rice that secured WKU’s spot in the bowl, Evans returned a fumble for a touchdown, adding to the WKU defense’s remarkable six touchdowns throughout the season, which ranked them first in all of college football. On top of that, Evans and the Hilltopper defense forced an impressive 32 turnovers, the highest in the country. Evans’ standout performances earned him recognition as he was named to CUSA’s First Team at the end of the season.
The Chuck Bednarik Award has partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF, known for their detailed metrics and performance-based assessments, provides valuable insights to the selection committee, which includes senior PFF analysts. Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, considered the most comprehensive preseason magazine, also contributes to the selection process.
Looking ahead, the semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced on November 13, 2023. From this group, three finalists will be unveiled on November 28, 2023. The ultimate winners of the 29th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on December 7, 2023. The formal presentations of the Chuck Bednarik Award will take place at the Maxwell Football Club Awards in March 2024.
JaQues Evans’ nomination for the Chuck Bednarik Award is a testament to his exceptional abilities as a linebacker for WKU. His outstanding performance throughout the 2022 season has earned him well-deserved recognition and the opportunity to compete for one of college football’s most prestigious honors. As the selection process unfolds, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the announcement of the semifinalists, finalists, and ultimately, the recipient of this esteemed award.
