Darius Stills Added to Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List

For the second time this Summer, senior West Virginia defensive tackle Darius Stills has been named to the watch list of an impressive award.

Last month it was the Lott IMPACT Trophy, today it was announced Stills has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist as well. The Chuch Bednarik Award is given to college football’s Defensive Player of the Year each season.

The elder Stills brother separated himself as one of the best defensive linemen in the Big 12 last season. A First-Team All-Big 12 selection, Stills recorded 47 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. He was also a Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year finalist.

His breakout performance of the season came on Halloween against then-No. 12 ranked Baylor. Stills had 10 total tackles against the Bear, eight of which were solo and three for a loss. He was so good that night, even Baylor coach Matt Rhule was singing his praises.

“Stills, 56, is one of the best players we’ve played against,” Rhule said after the game. “He’s everything I thought he was going to be and 55, his brother, lights out. He does it against everybody and I love him.”

Stills could certainly have been selected in this Summer’s NFL Draft had he declared, but he instead decided to return to WVU for 2020 to play one final season with his younger brother, Dante.

There are 90 players total on the watch list, 11 from the Big 12 and 26 defensive linemen. Semifinalists and finalists for the award will be announced in November with the winner announced in December.