Nebraska senior linebackers Bo Ruud and Corey McKeon were both tagged for the 2007 Bednarik Award Watch List on Monday based on their stellar performances last season. The Bednarik Award is presented each season to the nation’s top defensive player.

Ruud started 23 games at WILL linebacker for the Huskers in his career, and become an important member of the Nebraska Blackshirt defense. The Lincoln, Neb., native owns 162 tackles, three interceptions and 16 quarterback hurries in his career, and is a two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention.

McKeon enters his third season as NU’s starting MIKE linebacker in 2007, posting 117 tackles and eight sacks in his career. McKeon also owns both the Nebraska season (22) and single-game (5) records for tackles for a loss. A 2006 All-Big 12 honorable mention, this is McKeon’s second time on the Bednarik Watch List (2006).

The Bednarik Award was created in 1995 in honor of former University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Eagles great, Chuck Bednarik, who is a member of both the College and NFL Halls of Fame. In 12 years, no Husker has won the award, which is voted on by NCAA Head College Football Coaches, members of the Maxwell Football Club and sportswriters and sportscasters from across the country.

Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced in early November and three finalists for each award will be announced on Nov. 26, 2007. The winner of the 2007 Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 6, 2007.