Kentucky defensive stars Maxwell Hairston and Deone Walker have been named to the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced today. The Bednarik Award has recognized the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named after Chuck “Concrete Charlie” Bednarik, a legendary two-way player for the Philadelphia Eagles and a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Maxwell Hairston:
Hairston, a 6-foot-1, 186-pound defensive back from Detroit, had an outstanding 2023 season, recording five interceptions, including four in Southeastern Conference play. His five interceptions tied for the fifth-most in a single season in Kentucky’s program history, and he ranked fifth nationally in the category. His 131 interception return yards were the most by a Wildcat since 1981.
One of Hairston’s standout performances came against Vanderbilt, where he intercepted two passes and returned both for touchdowns, tying an SEC single-game record. For his efforts, he was named National Defensive Player of the Week and National Defensive Back of the Week. In addition to his five interceptions, Hairston ranked eighth in the SEC with 11 passes defended in 2023.
Hairston is also on the watch lists for the Jim Thorpe Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He is set to graduate in December 2024 with a degree in community leadership and development.
Deone Walker:
Walker, a 6-foot-6, 348-pound defensive lineman, also from Detroit, had a stellar sophomore season in 2023 despite facing frequent double teams. He led Kentucky in tackles for loss (12.5), quarterback sacks (7.5), and quarterback hurries (8). Walker also contributed two pass breakups, including one against Florida that led to a crucial touchdown.
Named one of seven permanent team captains last season, Walker started all 13 games, extending his streak to 24 consecutive starts dating back to his freshman year in 2022. He set or tied career highs in multiple categories last season, including nine tackles against South Carolina, 4.0 tackles for loss at Missouri, and two quarterback hurries against EKU.
Walker earned first-team All-SEC honors from multiple outlets and was a third-team All-American selection by the College Football Network in 2023. He is also on the watch lists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and the Outland Trophy.
Award Background:
Last year’s Chuck Bednarik Award was won by Payton Wilson Jr. (NC State), who was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kentucky’s own Josh Allen won the award in 2018.
Semifinalists for the 2024 Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced on November 12, with the three finalists unveiled on November 26. The winner will be announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12, 2024. The formal presentations will take place at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on March 14, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
