University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Gemmel Named To Bednarik Award Watch List
July 19, 2021 | Football
SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. - Carolina linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel has been placed on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, announced Monday by The Maxwell Football Club.
A native of Newnan, Ga., Gemmel has started all 25 games over the past two seasons for the Tar Heels. Voted a team captain in 2020, Gemmel notched 78 tackles and tied for the UNC lead with seven hurries last season. He was named ACC Linebacker of the Week after recording eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a half sack in the win at No. 9 Miami.
The Chuck Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995 and is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, a former standout at the University of Pennsylvania and with the Philadelphia Eagles. Bednarik is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame's Class of '69 and the NFL Hall of Fame's Class of '67.
The Bednarik Award watch list is comprised of 90 candidates on the defensive side of the ball.
A native of Newnan, Ga., Gemmel has started all 25 games over the past two seasons for the Tar Heels. Voted a team captain in 2020, Gemmel notched 78 tackles and tied for the UNC lead with seven hurries last season. He was named ACC Linebacker of the Week after recording eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a half sack in the win at No. 9 Miami.
The Chuck Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995 and is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, a former standout at the University of Pennsylvania and with the Philadelphia Eagles. Bednarik is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame's Class of '69 and the NFL Hall of Fame's Class of '67.
The Bednarik Award watch list is comprised of 90 candidates on the defensive side of the ball.
Players Mentioned
Linebacker
/ FootballUNC Baseball: Tar Heels Hold Off Charlotte, 8-4
Wednesday, April 08
UNC Basketball: Michael Malone Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, April 08
Carolina Insider - Interview with HEAD COACH Michael Malone (Full Segment) - April 7, 2026
Tuesday, April 07
UNCTarHeelsAthletics Live Stream
Tuesday, April 07