Henry To’o To’o named to Bednarik Award watch list

After a stellar freshman campaign, linebacker Henry To’o To’o has been named to the Bednarik Award watch list entering his sophomore season. The award is handed out to the best overall defensive player in college football at the end of the year. Ohio State’s Chase Young took home the hardware last season.

To’o To’o was one of 90 players named on Monday, joining just 11 sophomores on the list. That speaks to the job that To’o To’o did as a true freshman, where he was inserted into the starting lineup essentially from day one.

The California native ended up with 72 total tackles in 2019. That number should only go up in 2020, now with Daniel Bituli out of the picture.

To’o To’o was a major win for Jeremy Pruitt on the recruiting trail. The then top 50 prospect picked Tennessee over Alabama, despite a late push from the Crimson Tide. The Volunteers also managed to beat out several Pac-12 schools that were much closer to home. To’o To’o’s decision has seemingly already paid dividends in terms of playing time, as evidenced by his presence on this list.

The Bednarik Award will announce their semifinalists on November 3rd and a winner on December 10th, assuming the college football season goes on as scheduled.