The Chuck Bednarik award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive player, and junior defensive end Shareef Miller has been named to the 2018 watch list. The award is presented by the Maxwell Football Club, and is voted on by members of the club, coaches, and select media members. Last season, Miller was named to the award watch list in the middle of the season.
Better be on the look out for DE @Sacks5thReef this season! He is named to the 2018 @BednarikAward Watch Listan honor given to the College Defensive POY!#WeAre pic.twitter.com/SlfwVTP8lI
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) July 16, 2018
Miller appeared in all 13 games last season, 12 of which came as a starter. After recording 37 tackles, 11.5 for a loss, and 5.5 sacks, he was named third-team All-Big Ten by the coaches. He recovered his first career fumble in the fourth quarter vs. Ohio State.
Lavar Arrington (1999), Paul Posluszny (2005 & 2006) and Dan Connor (2007) won the award previously for Penn State. In 2017, linebacker Jason Cabinda and safety Marcus Allen were named to the presason watch list for the award.