PITTSBURGH—Pitt sophomore linebacker Kyle Louis, one of the most productive defenders in the country, has been named to the midseason watch list for the prestigious Chuck Bednarik Award, presented to the college defensive player of the year by the Maxwell Football Club.
Louis has been a vital factor in the Panthers’ national ascendance this season. In helping Pitt to a 7-0 start, he has compiled 60 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback sacks, eight QB hurries, three interceptions and a forced fumble.
Louis has displayed All-America form throughout the first two months of the season with big hits and timely plays. Among his highlights:
- In Pitt’s 38-34 win over Backyard Brawl rival West Virginia, Louis collected a game-high 13 tackles and sealed the result with a game-ending interception.
- Louis also closed out the Panthers’ 34-24 win at North Carolina with a fourth-down sack in Pitt territory. He added nine tackles and 2.5 TFLs.
- In a 17-15 win over Cal, Louis had a game-high 12 tackles, two TFLs and an eight-yard sack.
- In Pitt’s most recent game, a 41-13 demolition of Syracuse, Louis had an electric 59-yard interception return for a touchdown, breaking multiple tackles along the way.
Louis helps anchor a rushing defense that ranks ninth nationally, surrendering only 93.9 yards on the ground.
Pitt owns a legendary history with the Maxwell Football Club. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald won the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2013, while defensive end Hugh Green (1980) and running back Tony Dorsett (1976) won the Maxwell Award (college player of the year).
Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalists will be announced on November 12. Three finalists will be unveiled on November 26. The winner of the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show aired on December 12.
The Panthers, ranked as high as No. 17 in this week’s major polls, play at No. 20 SMU this Saturday. The game will be televised by ACC Network and kick off at 8 p.m.
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