Athletics

Maybin a finalist for Bednarik Award

University Park, Pa. — Penn State sophomore Aaron Maybin (Ellicott City, Md.) has been named one of three finalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation's defensive player of the year by the Maxwell Football Club.

Maybin, a first team All-Big Ten defensive end, is a finalist along with linebackers James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) and Ray Maualuga (USC) for the prestigious award.

Maybin could become Penn State's fourth consecutive winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award after linebacker Dan Connor was selected in 2007 and linebacker Paul Posluszny was honored in 2005 and 2006. Nittany Lion linebacker LaVar Arrington also was a Bednarik Award honoree, claiming it in 1999.

The Bednarik Award was established in 1995 and is presented in honor of two-way standout Chuck Bednarik, a member of both the College Football and NFL Halls of Fame.

Maybin has recorded at least one tackle for loss in all 12 games for the Big Ten Champions. A tenacious pass rusher with excellent speed and quickness off the edge, he is tied for second in the nation with 12 solo sacks and is sixth nationally with 19 tackles for loss. Maybin has also forced a team-high three fumbles, including two that resulted in Penn State touchdowns, has 45 tackles overall (27 solo) and recorded three pass break-ups.

Maybin also is on the 2008 Walter Camp Player of the Year and Ted Hendricks Award Mid-Season Watch Lists.

The former Mount Hebron High School standout has helped Penn State lead the Big Ten in all four primary defensive categories and earn Top 10 national rankings in rushing, pass efficiency, scoring and total defense.

The announcement of the Bednarik Award winner will be made during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show, that will air on ESPN on Thurs., Dec. 11. The formal presentation of the award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club's Awards Dinner, to be held on March 6, 2009 at the Harrah's Entertainment Complex in Atlantic City, N.J.

Aaron Maybin Credit: Penn State Sports InformationAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated November 18, 2010

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