Clemson football players Barrett Carter and Peter Woods have been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List for the 2024 season. The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football.
Carter, a senior linebacker, and Woods, a sophomore defensive tackle, are among 90 players nationally and 19 from the Atlantic Coast Conference to be named to the watch list for the prestigious award.
Linebacker Barrett Carter
In the 2023 season, Carter recorded 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and five passes defended. His strong performance has earned him a spot on the watch list, recognizing his potential to be one of the best defensive players in the country.
Defensive tackle Peter Woods
Woods is coming off an impressive freshman campaign in 2023, where he recorded 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble in a starter role. In his second collegiate season, he is expected to take on an increased role on Clemson’s defensive line. Being named to the watch list as a sophomore highlights Woods’ impressive talent and the high expectations for his future contributions.
Chuck Bednarik Award History
The Chuck Bednarik Award has been presented each year since 1994 by the Maxwell Football Club to the College Defensive Player of the Year. Semifinalists for the award will be announced November 12, 2024, with three finalists named on November 26. The winner will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12, 2024. The formal presentation of the award will take place at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala on March 14, 2025 in Atlanta.
Carter and Woods will look to become the first Clemson players to win the Bednarik Award since Da’Quan Bowers in 2010. Their inclusion on the watch list recognizes their talent and the overall strength of the Tigers’ defense heading into the 2024 campaign.
