South Raleigh News

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Davin Vann, a player for the NC State Wolfpack football team, has been named to the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List.

The Bednarik Award, presented by The Maxwell Football Club, has recognized the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994. It is named after Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik, an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and a multiple-year All-Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. Bednarik is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and was notable as the last NFL player to be a full-time participant on both offense and defense.

The Wolfpack aims to secure the Bednarik Award for a second consecutive year following Payton Wilson's win last season. Wilson subsequently became a third-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft, marking him as NC State's first recipient of this award.

In his previous season, Vann recorded six sacks, ranking second on his team. Over four seasons at NC State, he has played in 43 games with totals including 103 tackles and 14 sacks. He received recognition with the No. 1 jersey for both 2023 and 2024.

Semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced on November 12, 2024, while finalists will be revealed on November 26, 2024. Winners will be declared during ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12, 2024. Formal presentations are scheduled for March 14, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.