Brandon Bell Named Bednarik Award Player Of The Week

Brandon Bell has gained another honor for his efforts in defeating the Ohio State University. After being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Bell has now been recognized by the Maxwell Football Club, which selects the Bednarik Award Player of the Week.

After being led to believe that Bell may only play 25-30 snaps versus the Ohio State University by coach James Franklin, Bell stayed on the field for nearly the entire game. The 18 total tackles he recorded set a career high and it came just in time for one of the biggest upsets in recent Penn State history.

Bell, along with Jason Cabinda, anchored the Penn State defense that had sorely missed the pair in recent weeks. It could be said about most teams, but sans the three starting linebackers, including Nyeem Wartman-White who remains out for the season, Penn State was forced to play multiple players out of position.

Now that Linebacker University has its two most dependable linebackers back in the fold, the likes of Manny Bowen, Jake Cooper, and Koa Farmer can play in their more natural roles. Brandon Smith emerged as a surprisingly solid backup option at middle linebacker in the absence of Cabinda, Bell, and Wartman-White, and he is now back in that role. Smith will be counted on to spell Cabinda from time to time as the season wears on, which will help keep the wear and tear off Cabinda’s body.

Congrats Brandon for the well-deserved recognition.