Bobcats’ Bell added to Bednarik Award Watch List

Texas State redshirt junior Levi Bell was added to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Wednesday.

Bell, who is currently playing his first season with the Bobcats, was added to watch list as he currently leads the Sun Belt in tackles for loss and is second in sacks so far this season

Bell was among 10 new candidates chosen for consideration for the nation’s top defensive player honor, Texas State said. The watch list will be trimmed to the semifinalists on Nov. 1.

Bell has tallied 37 total tackles, five sacks, two quarterback hurries, and nine tackles for loss in six games during the 2022 campaign. The redshirt junior is currently tied for ninth in the nation in sacks and tied for eighth in TFLs per game.

Bell’s five sacks are the most by a Bobcat since 2014 when Michael Odiari set the school FBS record with nine.

The Cedar Park native is currently the top-ranked player in the country by Pro Football Focus in defensive grades (min. 100 snaps). He is also second among defensive lineman in pass rush rating. His 29 pressures, as measured by PFF, are tied for fourth in the nation.

The semifinalists for the 28th Chuck Bednarik Award will be chosen by the Maxwell Football Club national selection committee. Once the semifinalists are announced on Nov. 1, voting will commence on Nov. 2.

Texas State’s season continues when it travels to Alabama to take on Troy on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The game can be watched on ESPN3 and heard on the Varsity Network as well as KTSW 89.9 FM.