Today sophomore cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and senior safety Darrick Forrest were named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List. This award is presented to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.
Sophomore CB @EspnSauce11 has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, presented annually to college football's most outstanding defensive player.
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) July 13, 2020
đź”—: https://t.co/s8EyYhqbrj#Bearcats | #BednarikAward pic.twitter.com/hKgxYZC42w
Senior safety @_Dfoe5 has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, presented annually to college football's most outstanding defensive player.
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) July 13, 2020
đź”—: https://t.co/s8EyYhqbrj#Bearcats | #BednarikAward pic.twitter.com/yULAQ9TNMj
Gardner had an amazing true freshman season and anybody who watching more than just P5 games knows he’s going to be a playmaker until his time is done in Clifton. Last season, the 1st team All-AAC corner only started six games, but played in all 14 and tallied 31 tackles, eight pass break ups, three interceptions and two touchdowns. He will always be known for his huge pick six against UCF. Just imagine, Gardner only started six games last season, with more playing time those numbers are bound to go up, unless teams stay away from his side of the field?
Forrest had a very nice junior season and you expect the senior safety to keep pushing along. This young man is as sound as it gets on the back end. He was also a 1st team All-AAC performer last season. Forrest had a team high 106 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three pass break ups and three interceptions.
TFON looks forward to watching both of these young men this season. I’m guessing a few more Bearcats will go on Watch List’s before the season starts.