Kolby Harvell-Peel and Malcolm Rodriguez Named to Bednarik Award Preseason Watch List

STILLWATER – Two of Oklahoma State’s top defenders heading into the 2021 season have been tabbed as two of the better defenders in the country. Kolby Harvell-Peel and Malcolm Rodriguez have been named to the Bednarik Award preseason watch list.

The Bednarik Award is given out to nation’s top defender at the end of each season.

Kolby Harvell-Peel enters the 2021 season as a second-team All-Big 12 selection following the 2020 season. He recorded 44 total tackles, 31 of which were solo stops, as well as 25 coming on run plays. He also recorded four pass break ups and two interceptions.

As for Malcolm, he returns to Stillwater taking advantage of the free season due to the COVID-19 eligibility rules. He also was a second-team All-Big 12 selection following the 2020 season following a solid senior season. He led the team in tackles with 82, 58 of which were solo stops, which led all Power Five linebackers last season and seventh in all of FBS. He also recorded 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, three pass breakups, five quarterbacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

I wouldn’t expect this watch list to be the last these two Cowboys are named to this summer.