NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt safety CJ Taylor has been selected for the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List. The Maxwell Football Club announced the watch list Monday.
The award is given annually to the nation’s outstanding defensive player as selected by the club and its partners, Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus.
Taylor started nine games last season and finished third on the team in tackles despite missing three contests due to injury. He added 7.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, three pass break-ups and two forced fumbles.
The McMinnville, Tennessee, native had the fourth-best Pro Football Focus defensive grade among SEC linebackers last year. He’s been selected preseason All-SEC entering 2024 by both Phil Steele and Athlon.
For his career, Taylor has played in 29 games with 117 total tackles, 14.5 for loss, four sacks, 11 break-ups and three interceptions. He will transition to safety this fall after playing a hybrid linebacker/safety position.
Taylor and the Commodores open the season on Aug. 31 when Virginia Tech visits FirstBank Stadium (11 a.m. on ESPN). Ticket information is available here.
