Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich and Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib have been named finalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award.
Matakevich is college football's active career leader in tackles with 462. In Temple's 31-12 win over Memphis last Saturday, the senior became just the seventh player in college football history to register at least 100-plus tackles in four seasons. He also leads the nation in interceptions for a linebacker with five this season.
Nassib leads the nation in sacks with 15.5. This is the senior's first year as a starter. He began his college football career as a walk-on.
Linebacker Reggie Ragland of Alabama is the third candidate for the award which is given to the College Defensive Player of the Year.
The Home Depot 25th Anniversary College Football Awards will air on ESPN, Thursday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. The show will take place at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.