Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Alabama sophomore linebacker Luke Metz was added to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list on Monday, the university announced. The honor follows Metz’s impressive showing in the Crimson Tide’s 31‑13 victory over LSU in Baton Rouge.
Season highlights and impact
Metz, a native of Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Ga., recorded 11 tackles and an interception in the win over the Tigers. He has started every game this season, compiling 68 tackles, half a tackle for loss, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and a pick‑six against Kentucky in week two.
His consistent play has helped transform Alabama’s linebacking unit, which entered the season as a question mark but now ranks among the strongest groups on defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s staff.
Bednarik Award context
The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented annually to the nation’s top defensive player in college football. Alabama boasts three past winners: Jonathan Allen (2016), Minkah Fitzpatrick (2017) and Will Anderson Jr. (2022). At the start of the season, the Tide had three players on the watch list – defensive backs Zabien Brown and Bray Hubbard, and edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre.
Semifinalists will be announced on Nov. 10, finalists on Nov. 24, and the winner on Dec. 10.
Upcoming schedule
Ranked No. 5 nationally, Alabama travels to Nashville, Tenn., this Saturday, Nov. 14, to face the Vanderbilt Commodores. Kickoff is set for 11:45 a.m. CT on the SEC Network.
For additional coverage of Alabama football, fans can download the Tide 100.9 app. Wyatt Fulton, the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, continues to provide in‑depth reporting on Crimson Tide football and men’s basketball.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
