Per GoBearcats:
University of Cincinnati standout Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has been named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player in the country).
Gardner, who has epitomized the BlackCats defense the last three seasons, has yet to allow a touchdown in his career, spanning more than 900 coverage snaps. Opponents have a 19.5 passer rating on 20 targets against him (second-lowest in the nation). The Detroit native has 20 tackles, two interceptions and two pass break-ups this year. In the Bearcats’ 24-13 win over No. 9 Notre Dame, he allowed just two catches (nine yards) with an interception over three targets in 51 coverage snaps.
UC boasts the nation’s top pass-efficiency defense (88.45) and opponent completion percentage (50.8 percent), while ranking second in interceptions (14), yards-per-pass-attempt (5.22) and TDs allowed (four).
Gardner was also a First-Team All-American last season and joins fellow cornerback Coby Bryant as two of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the nation’s top defensive back.
