Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry were both named semifinalists for the Bednarik Award on Tuesday.
Former Crimson Tide defenders Minkah Fitzpatrick (2017) and Jonathan Allen (2016) are the two members of the program who have taken home the award in the past.
Will Anderson Jr., Linebacker
- One of the most feared defenders in college football
- Leads the SEC and is tied for seventh nationally with 12 tackles for loss (-49 yards), including six sacks (-32 yards)
- Totaled 36 tackles on the year while also contributing a team-high 10 quarterback pressures
- Added one blocked field goal and an interception which he returned 25 yards for a touchdown
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Defensive Back
- A consistent contributor at both corner and punt returner
- Posted 23 tackles, including two for loss (-16 yards) and one sack (-12 yards)
- Broke up a team-high 11 passes while adding a fumble recovery on defense
- Paces all Division I punt returners with 319 yards and a 17.7 yards per return average across 18 punts
The award is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football as chosen by the Maxwell Football Club.
**This information was acquired from a recent press release from Alabama Athletics.**
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