Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell were named finalists for the Bednarik Award, which is presented annually to college football’s defensive player of the year.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was the third finalist.
Rodriguez and Howell have spearheaded their respective teams’ push for a conference title and a College Football Playoff bid. Both players are in a position to compete in the Big 12 and SEC Championships, respectively, with a win on Saturday.
Howell has manned the defensive line for one of the three remaining undefeated FBS teams, contributing an SEC-leading 11.5 sacks. He is a four-time SEC defensive lineman of the week and leads all defensive ends with six pass breakups.
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Texas A&M’s defense ranks first nationally in 3rd down defense and second in FBS with 39.0 sacks.
Rodriguez has aided Texas Tech in its best start since 2008 and its highest-ranked scoring defense in over a decade.
Although he has contributed only a sack to the nation’s leader in team sacks, the senior inside linebacker leads the country with seven forced fumbles. He also has four interceptions.
Rodriguez has taken over social media over the past four weeks, earning the Heisman fan vote in four consecutive weeks.
Rodriguez and Howell are also finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award.
The Bednarik Award winner will be announced as part of the ESPN’s college football awards show, which will be broadcast live on ESPN on Friday, Dec. 12.
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