The Commodores' All-SEC linebacker is in the running to be the nation's top defensive player in 2016.
Zach Cunningham has emerged as the leader of Vanderbilt's stout defense, and his efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Last week, he was named to the watch list for the 2017 Chuck Bednarik Award.
Cunningham made the cut for the prestigious honor, which will be given to the nation's top defensive player at the end of the season. He was joined on the list by 23 other SEC candidates, but was Vanderbilt's only representative.
| Player | School | Position | Year |
| Jamal Adams | LSU | S | Jr. |