The watch list for this year’s Bednarik Award was revealed on Monday, with UNC senior linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel among the 90 players selected.

With Chazz Surratt now in the NFL, Gemmel is expected to be the top linebacker on the Tar Heel defense this season — having compiled 78 tackles and an ACC Linebacker of the Week honor last season.

Gemmel has started all 25 games for UNC over the last two years as well, and served as a team captain during the 2020 campaign.

The Bednarik Award has been presented annually since 1995 to the College Defensive Player of the Year.

Gemmel and the Tar Heels are set to open the 2021 regular season on Friday, Sept. 3 in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech.

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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