After a solid junior season last fall, Maryland cornerback Will Likely was named to the Bednarik Award Watch List, the school announced Tuesday.
The Bednarik Award, which is named for former Penn and Philadelphia Eagles standout Chuck Bednarik, is presented annually to college football's defensive player of the year. Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich won the award last fall.
During his first three seasons in College Park, Likely has emerged as a standout for Maryland, both as a two-time first-team All-Big Ten defensive back and All-American return specialist. Last fall, Likely had 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and 11 pass breakups. In 2014, Likely tied for the Big Ten Conference lead with six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
Likely led the nation with 1,197 return yards last season, and he kicked off the season by breaking a 76-year-old Big Ten record with 233 punt return yards in the season opener against Richmond. He returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns in 2015. In Maryland's loss to Wisconsin on Nov. 7, Likely started for the Terps at both cornerback and wide receiver.
Former Maryland great E.J. Henderson won the Bednarik Award in 2002.
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