June 30, 2008

TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University senior safety Troy Nolan has been named to the Bednarik Award Watch List, awarded annually to the nation's top defensive player.

Nolan (Los Angeles, Calif.) had an outstanding debut season for ASU in 2007, earning Second Team All-Pac-10 honors. He led Arizona State with six interceptions, the most by a Sun Devil since 1989. He also returned two of those six for touchdowns, tying a school record. Nolan is also on the Watch List for the Nagurski Award and the Lott Trophy.

Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced in early November and three finalists will be announced November 25th. The winner of the 2008 Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December. The formal presentation of the award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala hosted by Harrah's Entertainment Atlantic City on March 6, 2009.

The watch list candidates have been chosen by the Maxwell Football Club's Selection Committee and the Maxwell Club reserves the right to make additions and subtractions to these lists as the 2008 season unfolds. All members of the Maxwell Football Club, NCAA Sports Information Directors, Head Coaches and selected national media are eligible to vote for these awards.