Wise Among Nation’s Best Defensive Players

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas senior defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. was named to the watch list for the 22nd annual Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Tuesday.

The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the college defensive player of the year by the Maxwell Football Club.

Wise tallied 31 tackles – including 10.5 for loss – and eight sacks in 13 games played last season. All eight of his sacks came during Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, which led the league in that category.

The Carrollton, Texas, native was especially dominant during the month of November as he recorded seven sacks through the final four regular-season contests, a figure that paced the SEC and ranked second nationally during that stretch.

Wise has recorded 11 of his 13 career sacks against SEC opponents, including at least a half-sack in six of the last nine conference games he’s played in.

Wise is one of nine returning defensive starters that helped the Razorbacks hold 12 of 13 opponents below their season rushing average in 2015. Allowing only 116.46 yards per game on the ground, Arkansas ranked second in the SEC and 12th nationally in rushing defense.

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