Orange Place Two on Bednarik Award Watch List

PHILADELPHIA – Syracuse safety Andre Cisco and defensive end Alton Robinson have both been named to the 2019 Bednarik Award Watch List, announced today by the Maxwell Football Club. The two are the first Orange players to make the watch list for the coveted award since linebacker Derrell Smith in 2010.

The Bednarik Award has been presented to the college football defensive player of the year every season since 1995. It is named after Chuck Bednarik, a former standout at Penn and with the Philadelphia Eagles, who is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Cisco tied for the national lead with seven interceptions last season on his way to second-team All-America honors. The ACC's Defensive Rookie of the Year, Cisco set the program record for most passes defended by a true freshman (18) and ranked fourth on the team with 60 tackles (46 solo). The No. 43 player on Sports Illustrated's list of the top 100 players in college football, Cisco has been voted a 2019 preseason All-American by most publications. He is also one of the 42 candidates for this year's Lott IMPACT Trophy.

A 2018 All-ACC Second Team selection, Robinson racked up 39 tackles (31 solo) in 12 games last season, including 17 for a loss, and 10 sacks. His 10 sacks tied for the second-most in the conference. Robinson is the No. 12 defensive end in the country by Lindy's and he's tied with Miami's Shaq Quarterman for the most career sacks (15) among active ACC players.

Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on Oct. 29 and the three finalists for the award will be unveiled on Nov. 25. The winner will be announced live on ESPN at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12. The formal presentation of the 2019 Bednarik Award will made during the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on March 13, 2020.

Syracuse has never had a player win the Bednarik Award, but All-American Dwight Freeney was a Bednarik finalist in 2001.

For more information about the Bednarik Award, visit www.maxwellfootballclub.org.

Syracuse is set to open preseason camp next month. The Orange kick off the 2019 campaign at Liberty on Saturday, Aug. 31 and open their home schedule on Saturday, Sept. 14 versus Clemson.

Season and single-game tickets are on sale now online (Cuse.com/tickets), by phone (888-DOME-TIX) or in person at the Dome Box Office located in the Ensley Athletic Center. Season tickets start at $125.

Syracuse's single-game ticket allotment for the Clemson game is sold out. The only way to guarantee a seat to watch the Orange and Tigers is through the purchase of a season ticket.

Syracuse Players on 2019 NCFAA Watch Lists
Bednarik Award: Andre Cisco, Alton Robinson

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