Wisconsin Badger junior defensive end J.J. Watt has been named one of 16 semifinalists for the 2010 Chuck Bednarik Award. The award, now in its 16th year, is given annually to the nation’s Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt leads the Badgers, ranks second in the Big Ten and is tied for sixth in the country with 16.0 tackles for loss this season. He also leads the Badgers and is tied for fourth in the Big Ten with 6.0 sacks on the year.
The winner of the 16th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced on Dec. 9. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 22, and a second round of voting will take place at that time.