Pitt’s Devonshire Named to Bednarik Award Watch List
8/14/2023 12:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt senior cornerback M.J. Devonshire, who led the ACC and ranked third nationally last season with two pick sixes, has been named a preseason candidate for the Chuck Bednarik Award presented annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football.
The Bednarik Award watch list was revealed today by the Maxwell Football Club.
This is the second national award to name Devonshire to its watch list. Previously he was named a preseason candidate for the Paul Hornung Award given to the most versatile player in major college football.
Devonshire earned All-ACC accolades as both a corner and return specialist last year. He scored three total touchdowns—two on interceptions and one punt return—becoming the first Pitt player to score TDs via both INT and punt returns in the same season since the iconic Darrelle Revis in 2006.
Devonshire's most celebrated play was his 56-yard pick six that lifted the Panthers past Backyard Brawl rival West Virginia, 38-31.
Pitt has notable history with the Bednarik Award. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was the recipient of the prestigious honor in 2013. More recently, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (2022) and defensive end Rashad Weaver (2020) were Bednarik semifinalists.
The Panthers are in their third week of training camp. Pitt opens its 2023 season against Wofford at Acrisure Stadium on Sept. 2. For Pitt football ticket information, log on to PittsburghPanthers.com or call (800) 643-PITT.
Pitt Players on Preseason Watch Lists:
Maxwell Award (National Player of the Year): Quarterback Phil Jurkovec
Outland Trophy (Interior Lineman): Offensive Tackle Matt Goncalves
Lou Groza Award (Place-Kicker): Place-kicker Ben Sauls
Paul Hornung Award (Most Versatile): Cornerback/Punt Returner M.J. Devonshire
Wuerffel Trophy (Community Service): Tight End Gavin Bartholomew and Defensive Tackle David Green
John Mackey Award (Tight End): Tight End Gavin Bartholomew
Rimington Trophy (Center): Center Jake Kradel
Doak Walker Award (Running Back): Running Back Rodney Hammond Jr.
Bednarik Award (National Defensive Player): Cornerback M.J. Devonshire
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