Kevin McGill, Eastern Michigan senior defensive back, was named to the Bednarik Award watch list on Monday, July 15.
The Bednarik Award is presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year. The award winner will be announced on Dec. 12, following the completion of the regular season and before the bowl season takes place.
McGill compiled 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and 33 return yards for the Eagles last year. He played in 12 games in 2018 and has played in 11+ games in all three seasons at Eastern Michigan. McGill also totaled six pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery last season.
“Since I’ve been at Eastern, there has been great competition at the corner spot,” Ross Williams, former Eagles defensive back, said. “Iron sharpens iron. Guys like DaQuan Pace who was an All-MAC corner and went pro, also Kevin [McGill] who was All-MAC and who is going to have his shot at the NFL too. Being around guys like that makes you want to be at a high level.”
McGill joined two other MAC players on the watch list, alongside Doug Costin (Miami) and Antonio Jones-Davis (Northern Illinois). Other notable inclusions are Joe Bachie (Michigan State), Raekwon Davis (Alabama), Grant Delpit (LSU), Lavert Hill (Michigan), Caden Sterns (Texas) and Chase Young (Ohio State).
The semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on Oct. 29 and then less than a month later, on Nov. 25, the three finalists will be declared. The winner will be presented with the award on Dec. 12. Josh Allen, former Kentucky linebacker, took home the Bednarik Award in 2018. Minkah Fitzpatrick won the award the year prior.
“It was amazing to see, knowing how much adversity I’ve been through,“ McGill said. “I’m truly appreciative but I’m just worried about leading this team to contend for a MAC championship."
The Eagles will begin their season on Aug. 31 against Coastal Carolina.
McGill’s senior day will take place against Kent State on Nov. 29 at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti.
