Tide's Keenan, Lawson Named To Bednarik Award Preseason Watch List

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Alabama defensive standouts Tim Keenan III and Deontae Lawson have been named to the 2025 Bednarik Award preseason watch list by the Maxwell Football Club.

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The talented duo is among 87 players nationwide under consideration for the honor, presented annually to college football’s most outstanding defensive player.

Established in 1995, the award is named for Chuck Bednarik, the Hall of Fame linebacker and two-way star for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Alabama has had three Bednarik winners: Jonathan Allen in 2016, Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2017 and Will Anderson Jr. in 2022.

Keenan, a redshirt senior defensive lineman, played in all 13 games last season and recorded 40 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks, along with two quarterback pressures and a pass breakup.

Keenan's 90.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranked sixth nationally among interior defenders in 2024.

Lawson, a redshirt senior linebacker and permanent team captain, started 11 games in 2024 before a season-ending injury. He tallied 76 tackles, including 6.5 for loss and two sacks, while adding four pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

The Bednarik Award winner will be announced at the ESPN College Football Awards in December.

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