Luke Kuechly Left Off Bednarik Trophy Finalist List
by Brian Favat on Nov 22, 2011 8:04 AM EST
in Boston College Football
Email
Print
The first snub is in.
Boston College's Luke Kuechly may finish as the greatest statistical linebacker in the history of Boston College (college football?), but he won't be among the finalists for the 2011 Chuck Bednarik Award, given by the Maxwell Football Club to the national defensive player of the year.
Kuechly is poised to break nearly every tackle record this season, including the NCAA's single-season record for tackles (193, set by Texas Tech's Lawrence Flugence) and the school's career record (525, Stephen Boyd). With 523 total tackles, Kuechly became the ACC's all-time leading career tackler on Saturday against Notre Dame.
Here's how Luke matches up against the three finalists for the Bednarik.
Luke Kuechly: 96 solo tackles, 86 assisted, 182 total, 11.0 TFL, 21 TFL yards, 2 INTs, 2 passes broken up, 2 QB hurries
Alabama's LB Don'ta Hightower: 32 solo, 40 assisted, 72 total, 8.5 TFL, 32 TFL yards, 1 INT, 3 passes broken up, 7 QB hurries
LSU's CB Tyrann Mathieu: 41 solo, 17 assisted, 58 total, 5.5 TFL, 41 TFL yards, 1.5 sacks, 2 INT, 16 yards, 3 fumble returns, 20 yards, 2 TDs, 7 passes broken up, 2 QB hurries, 4 forced fumbles
Penn State's DT Devon Still: 28 solo, 25 assisted, 53 total, 16.5 TFL, 75 TFL yards, 4.0 sacks, 1 pass broken up, 1 forced fumble
The fact that Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower made the cut but Kuechly didn't also doesn't bode well for #40's chances at coming home with the Butkus Award either, awarded to the nation's top linebacker. Last season, Kuechly finished second to Texas A&M's Von Miller in the Butkus Award voting.
Regardless, it's been a pretty incredible season for Luke.
15 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
How does the best LB in the nation get left off this list?
Seriously. How? If going by statistical data alone, he would win hands down. By actual playing time, he would win (Mathieu should be disqualified for any award after being suspended for DRUG use). I know Clemson planned its offense on getting the ball away from that freak of nature, as do most teams. Just another reason why college football is the most maddening sport in the world.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Just more proof that these committees pay more attention to shiny things, wins and national programs, than the actual talent they set forth to award. This is just a shame.
Writer at BC Interruption SBN's Boston College Eagles blog
Follow me on Twitter
Big school Bias
PSU, ’Bama and LSU. The $$$ schools. Not surprising.
Kuechly is very similar to the man who record he chases; Lawrence Flugence, except better.
But still I have my reservations. Kuechly is statistically dominant, but really does not seem to be game changer. I really do not think he is the best LB in the country. I don’t know who is. yes, Kuechly is solid and impressive, but the best? probably not.
Plus BC’s defense is horrible. That hurt Kuechly a lot too.
Kuechly
While watching the BC ND game this weekend, had an interesting discussion with “Juicebox” and we compared Herzlich pre 2010 to Kuechly now. We made the following observations:
1. Herzlich was more athletic
2. Herzlich played with a dominant defensive line BJ Raji/Ron Brace, which makes everything else easier
3. The tackle statistic is way overrated- TFL, hurries, INT, deflections are much more impressive and considered game changer/elite statistics
4. Kuechly will be a good pro, because he has great instincts- debateable whether he’d be a Clay Matthews, because we’ve yet to see the freakish athlete in him
Saying he’s the best LB or the best defender in the country would be a huge stretch. The record is fun to follow, especially when there’s nothng else.
Disagree that 2008 Herzlich was more athletic than 2011 Kuechly (or 2010 or 2009, for that matter).
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Nov 22, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
do u think he is the best LB in the FBS?
by eagleosprey on Nov 22, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Based on the Butkus Award finalist list, yes.
It’s either Kuechly or Hightower, but Hightower has the benefit of playing with Upshaw. Comfortable saying Kuechly is the best linebacker in college football.
Editor, BC Interruption
everyone knows athleticism is measured by flying tackles :P
I’m surprised you think that. I can’t think of any super athletic play Kuechly has made in the last two seasons- maybe a goal line stop. I think of Kuechly as a non-stop motor guy who is consistent, and has good instincts. He doesnt get there quicker than most, doesn’t do well in pass coverage. I would say JoLonn Dunbar was possibly a better athlete too…. i’m sure i’ll get some fight on this.
Herzlich, who i think was a highlight reel for a majority of his career. BUt we did use him differently, and he would often rush off the edge, which Kuechly almost never does.
Right, because an UDFA is more athletic than an eventual first-round draft pick. Quality talent evaluation there.
Players aren’t drafted based on their collegiate tackle totals.
Editor, BC Interruption
consider who votes?
it is a popularity contest dominated by media for big schools and by big school players. this is from the Maxwell club website:
Who Votes?
Voters for the Maxwell College Awards are NCAA Head College Football Coaches, members of the Maxwell Football Club & sportswriters and sportscasters from across the country
.Past Winners
Award Year
2010 Patrick Peterson Louisiana State University
2009 Ndamukong Suh University of Nebraska
2008 Rey Maualuga University of Southern California
2007 Dan Connor The Pennsylvania State University
2006
2005 Paul Posluszny The Pennsylvania State University
2004 David Pollack University of Georgia
2003 Teddy Lehman University of Oklahoma
2002 E.J. Henderson University of Maryland
2001 Julius Peppers University of North Carolina
2000 Dan Morgan Miami University
1999 LaVar Arrington Penn State University
1998 Dat Nguyen Texas A&M University
Big schools? College football powerhouses?
One of these things is not like the other …
2002 E.J. Henderson University of Maryland
Editor, BC Interruption
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on BC Interruption
Related FanShots on BC Interruption
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
