18 Semifinalists Named for Chuck Bednarik Defensive Award

Iowa linebacker Cam Buffington, UCLA linebacker Sammy Omosigho, Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton and Colorado linebacker Gideon Lampron were named among 18 semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which honors college football’s outstanding defensive player. Buffington leads Iowa with 82 tackles through nine games, while Omosigho has helped anchor UCLA’s highly ranked defense and shares the FBS lead with five forced fumbles. Hampton leads power-conference players with 14 passes defended, and Lampron was also named a semifinalist. The Maxwell Football Club presents the award, with the winner scheduled to be announced Dec. 11.