Pitt safety Damar Hamlin was placed on the preseason watchlist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given to the top defensive player in the nation each year. He was one of 80 defenders in the country and just three ACC defensive backs to be named as candidates for the honor.
Overall, the ACC is well represented on the watch list, as Hamlin is one of 10 defenders from the conference included. The others are Syracuse safety Andre Cisco, Duke defensive end Victor Dimukeje, Miami defensive end Jonathan Garvin, Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall, Miami linebacker Shaquille Quarterman, Syracuse defensive end Alton Robinson, Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas and Florida State defensive tackle Marvin Wilson.