JONESBORO, Ark. (12/7/20) – The FBS leader in total tackles for loss this season, Arkansas State senior linebacker Justin Rice was announced as one of 18 semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik award that is issued annually to the nation's outstanding defensive player of the year.
The Red Wolves' first ever Bednarik Award semifinalist, Rice has piled up 18.5 tackles for loss this season to go along with 76 tackles and 7.0 sacks. His tackles total includes 57 solo stops that are tied for the second most in the country, while he ranks tied for 13th in total sacks.