UConn rising junior linebacker Yawin Smallwood was one of 75 players named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list.

Smallwood led UConn with 120 tackles during the 2012 season to go with 15 tackles for loss, four quarterback sacks and two forced fumbles. Smallwood had five games with more than 10 tackles including season-high totals of 14 tackles in back to back games against Maryland and North Carolina State.

Semifinalists with the Bednarik Award, presented annually to the nation's  best defensive player, will be announced on Oct. 29, three finalists will be revealed on Nov. 25 with the winner being named on Dec. 12.