Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State's Nassib up for national defensive player of the year

Published Nov. 25, 2015 11:53 a.m. ET

foxsports

Penn State defensive lineman Carl Nassib is among three finalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player in college football.

Nassib was limited by an injury last week against Michigan but still leads the nation in sacks (15.5), tackles for loss (19.5) and fumbles forced (six).

A first-year starter and former walk-on, Nassib has also been nominated for the Lombardi Award (nation's top lineman) and the Burlsworth Trophy (best current or former walk-on).

The Bednarik Award is named after the former Penn standout who was also a star for the Philadelphia Eagles.