Despite receiving their first loss of the season on Saturday to Kent State, that hasn’t stopped Rutgers star linebacker Khaseem Greene from receiving individual acclaim. On Monday, the senior was named one of 16 semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award.
The announcement was made via the Maxwell Football Club on Monday afternoon, which hands out the award annually to college football's top defensive player.
And for Greene, this has been a season to remember despite the Scarlet Knights’ stunning 35-23 loss to Kent State. On the season, Greene leads the team in tackles (67), sacks (3.5) and forced fumbles (four), and is second on the Scarlet Knights with 5.5 tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries, as well.
But for those who have followed Greene’s career, this announcement shouldn’t be all that surprising. The senior from Elizabeth, N.J. was last year's co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
The Bednarik Award will be presented at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 6.