KENTUCKY
Josh Allen beats out Alabama's Quinnen Williams, Clemson's Christian Wilkins for another defensive award
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The debate is over, Kentucky LB Josh Allen is the best defensive player in the country.
Having already won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy for National Defensive Player of the Year, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the AP and SEC coaches, Allen added to his trophy case Thursday night, besting Alabama’s Quinnen Williams and Clemson’s Christian Wilkins for the Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year.
Allen holds Kentucky’s single-season sack record, notching 14 in 2018. He also leads the Wildcats in tackles with 84.
"I knew I was destined for something good. I just want to say thank you to everyone." — @joshallen41_
Great player. Better person. Epitome of earned, not given. Your WINNER of the @BednarikAward! #GetUp pic.twitter.com/OcNFKiu6Qc
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) December 7, 2018
Well deserved award
Congrats to Mr. Allen. The CFB Awards played out like a Who’s Who of 2018 SEC greats. Tua, J. Allen, D. Baker, D. White, J. Jeudy, M. Locksley, and Q.Williams.
He is a testament to not judge a kid based on measurables. He’s gained 60 pounds since he got here (30 in his first full off season, I think), and we never heard a bad report.
Too bad there are plenty of other deserving high schoolers out there who get overlooked, but have the same work ethic who just need to get developed while plenty of bad apples have everything handed to them.