LARAMIE — The Maxwell Football Club announced on Monday its 2021 Semifinalists for the 27th Chuck Bednarik Award powered by Mammoth Tech.
The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football. Among the 18 defensive players in the nation named a semifinalist is University of Wyoming linebacker Chad Muma.
Muma is one of only two Mountain West players named semifinalists for this year’s Chuck Bednarik Award. San Diego State defensive end Cameron Thomas was also selected as a semifinalist.
University of Wyoming sports coverage in Southwest Wyoming is supported by these great sponsors:
The star linebacker is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation in solo tackles (6.5 per game) and ranked No. 10 in the nation in total tackles (9.8 per game). He is also tied for No. 1 in the nation in interceptions returned for touchdowns, with two on the season. He has recorded double figures in tackles in seven of eight games this season.
Muma first made his mark as one of the nation’s top linebackers in 2020. He ranked No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 3 in the nation in tackles, averaging 11.8 tackles per game. He also ranked No. 16 in the nation in solo tackles, averaging 5.5 per game. Muma was selected First Team All-Mountain West by Mountain West head coaches and media in 2020.
The winner of the 2021 Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Dec. 9, 2021.