WSU defensive tackle Hercules Mata’afa has been named one of 18 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award, the school announced Monday.
The Bednarik award goes to the most outstanding defensive player annually.
Mata’afa, a junior, leads the Pac-12 and is fourth nationally with 15.0 tackles for loss. He’s also second in the Pac-12 with 6.5 sacks. Mata’afa ranks fifth all-time at WSU with 39.5 career tackles for loss, and eighth in program history with 18.5 sacks.
Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 20 and a second round of voting will take place. The winner of the 23rd Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced on the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN on Dec.