Abrams-Draine Named Bednarik Award Semifinalist

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine was named one of 20 semifinalists for the 29th Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year, the Maxwell Football Club announced.

Abrams-Draine, also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, leads the Southeastern Conference with 16 passes defended and 12 passes broken up. His four interceptions – a single-season best for the senior – are second in the SEC and tied for ninth nationally in the NCAA FBS. 

His 40 tackles rank fifth on the MU defense. He was honored by Associated Press as a unanimous Midseason All-American selection and dotted several mid-year All-America squads.

Semifinalist voting for both collegiate awards presented by the Maxwell Football Club will begin on Wednesday Nov. 14 and will close on Nov. 26. Three finalists for each award will be announced on Nov. 28 and a finalist round of voting will take place at that time. Eligible voters include Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA head football coaches, sports information directors and selected national media. 

The winner of the 29th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show which will be broadcast live on ESPN on Friday December 8, 2023. The formal presentation of the Chuck Bednarik Award will take place at the 87th Maxwell Awards Gala which will be held on Friday March 8, 2024.

UP NEXT
The Tigers close their home schedule when they host the Florida Gators on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. The game will kick at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be televised by ESPN.

LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
Limited reserved seats and Hill tickets are available for the Florida game by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS or buying online. 

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