PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Oregon defensive standouts junior linebacker Troy Dye and senior defensive end Jalen Jelks were both named to the 24th annual Chuck Bednarik Watch List on Monday morning. The Chuck Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995.
Oregon is one of 23 programs with multiple players on the watch list, including one of five Pac-12 teams. Dye and Jelks were a major part of the Oregon defense going from No. 126 nationally in total defense in 2016 to No. 46 in 2017.