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UNC Football: Jeremiah Gemmel named to Bednarik Award Watch List

By Nick Delahanty

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 19: Jeremiah Gemmel #44 of the University of North Carolina waits for the snap during a game between North Carolina and Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 19: Jeremiah Gemmel #44 of the University of North Carolina waits for the snap during a game between North Carolina and Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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After an impressive junior season, UNC Football standout Jeremiah Gemmel has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list.

Over the past two seasons, linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel has been a standout performer for the UNC football program. Heading into his senior season, the Newnan, GA native is starting to receive some national recognition.

On Monday, the Maxwell Football Club announced their watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award. Gemmel was among the 90 defensive players to earn placement on this year’s list.

Since 1995, the Chuck Bednarik Award has honored the College Defensive Player of the Year. The Award is in honor of Bednarik, who was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame as well as the NFL Hall of Fame.

Over the past two seasons, Gemmel has been an integral part of Mack Brown’s defense. The veteran linebacker has started all 25 games over that span, and was also named as a team captain prior to the start of his junior season.

During the 2020 campaign, Gemmel ranked second on the team with 78 tackles, and tied for a team-high with seven hurries. For his performance in a big win against No. 9 ranked Miami, Gemmel earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors.

As the Tar Heels have aspirations of competing for a national championship in 2021, the team’s defensive unit will have to play a huge role to make that possible. With a bulk of their starters returning, you could make the case that we’ll see a much-improved defensive unit from a year ago.

With regards to the success of North Carolina’s defense, Gemmel will play a major role in that. His veteran leadership along with his on-field contributions will be very valuable for this year’s team.

Often out-shadowed by Chazz Surratt during his tenure in Chapel Hill, it’s great to see Gemmel getting the recognition that he deserves. If he plays this year like he did over the past two seasons, we’ll be hearing a lot more about Jeremiah Gemmel moving forward.

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Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Jeremiah Gemmel and the UNC football program.

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