PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – University of Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III has been named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given annually to the most outstanding defensive player of the year.

The award, which is in its 28^th year with the Maxwell Football Club, will narrow the list of nominees to three finalists on Nov. 22 with voting for the award starting on Nov. 2. The winner will be announced on Dec. 8 at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

Phillips, who is also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, is a six-time Midseason All-American this season with 19 tackles (2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack), five interceptions and two pass breakups. The Lakewood, Calif., native has started every game since stepping foot on campus (27), including all eight this year.

He is tied for the national lead in interceptions and interceptions per game with his 137 return yards also ranking third in the FBS. His two pick-sixes are also tied for first in the country, giving him four in his career.

Against Oregon State this season, Phillips came up with three of Utah's four interceptions in the game, including a 38-yard return for a touchdown while adding three tackles. He earned Chuck Bednarik, Walter Camp and Jim Thorpe player of the week honors while also being named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week.

The sophomore also had an interception at Arizona State and at UCLA with his pick against the Bruins being returned for 80 yards and a score. Phillips had a season-high four stops against USC, also recording both of his pass breakups against the Trojans and his first-career sack.

Clark Phillips III • 2022 Awards & Accolades

• Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalist (Nov. 1)
• Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist (Oct. 24)
• Midseason All-America (AP, CBS Sports, College Football Network, Pro Football Focus, Sporting News, The Athletic)
• Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week (Oct. 6)
• Chuck Bednarik Award Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 4)
• PFF Team of the Week (Oct. 3)
• Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 3)
• Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 2)
• Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
• Chuck Bednarik Award Preseason Watch List
• Preseason All-America (AP; Athlon Sports; Phil Steele; Pro Football Focus; Pro Football Network; Walter Camp)

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