VOTE FOR MAUALUGA

The Chuck Bednarik Award goes to the Defensive Player of the Year in college football. This year, USC senior linebacker Rey Maualuga is one of the three finalists, joining James Laurinitis of Ohio State and Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin. All three players were chosen from a pool of 50 players chosen at the start of the season.

Maualuga was also a finalist for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, another defensive award, voted on by the Football Writers Association of America. Arizona's Rob Waldrop first one the award back in 1993. This year's recipient is defensive end Brian Orakpo of Texas.

Fans have a chance to influence the panel. Voting for the Bednarik Award closes on December 11th. If you would like to show your support for Rey, click here and cast your vote today! And we I won't be mad if you take a minute to vote for Utah kicker/punter Louie Sakoda either. Louie is a finalist for the Ray Guy (Punter) and the Lou Groza (Kicker) awards.