Ivan Pace Jr. Named Semi-Finalist for Butkus, Bednarik Awards

The game wrecker is one of the most dominant defenders in the country.

© Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

CINCINNATI — UC star linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. is now a semi-finalist for the Butkus Award (best linebacker in the country) and the Bednarik Award (Best defensive player).

The senior has been fantastic this season, leadint the nation with 16.0 tackles for loss while sitting tied for 10th in sacks (7.0) and tied for 12th in tackles (10.38) for a Bearcats’ defense that ranks sixth nationally in yards per play (4.33).

He also ranks second behind teammate Dontay Corleone among all defenders in PFF Grade. Pace is the only Group of Five player out of 20 semifinalists for the Bednarik

He is one of 15 semifinalists for the Butkus Award and has just one other Group of Five player joining him.

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