OU, OSU Football Players Named to Bednarik Watch List

Oklahoma safety Tony Jefferson and cornerback Demontre Hurst, along with Oklahoma State cornerback Brodrick Brown have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2012 Bednarik Award, presented annually to the nation's top defensive player.

Semifinalists for the award will be announced October 29, with finalists being revealed on November 19. The winner of the award will be announced on December 6 at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show. The formal presentation will take place March 1, 2013 at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala.

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Brown was an All-Big 12 first-team selection last season. He was second in the Big 12 with five interceptions, and his 1.54 passes defended per game ranked him third in the nation.

Third on the team with 74 tackles last year, Jefferson led the Sooner defense with four interceptions, including a school record three interceptions against Ball State. Jefferson was an honorable mention on the All-Big 12 team last year.

Hurst was a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2011, and led OU with 11 pass breakups last season while accumulating 55 tackles. The two-year starter ranks ninth on the OU career chart with 23 career pass breakups.