With an undefeated record comes national recognition, even if the team isn't eligible for a Bowl game. OSU's second nominee today is Johnathan Hankins, who is among the sixteen nominees for the Bednarik defensive player of the year award. Here's the school's press release…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hankins a Bednarik Award SemifinalistOSU defensive lineman ranks third on the team with 46 tackles
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State junior defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins has been named one of 16 semifinalists for the 18th Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year.
Hankins ranks third among Buckeyes with 46 tackles, including three tackles for loss and a quarterback sack. He also blocked a field goal against Purdue. He tied his career high with six solo tackles against the Boilermakers, and earlier this year against UAB he tied his personal best with 10 total tackles.
The winner of the Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot College Football Awards Show which will be broadcast on ESPN on December 6, 2012. Three finalists for each award will be announced on November 19, 2012.
Hankins and the 9-0 Buckeyes, ranked sixth this week by the Associated Press, host the Illinois Fighting Illini in a 3:30 p.m. kickoff this Saturday at Ohio Stadium.
