Nov. 7, 2007

USC senior nose tackle Sedrick Ellis has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the 2007 Bednarik Award, presented to the nation's top defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club.

The winner, to be chosen from among three finalists, will be announced during the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 4 on ESPN.

Ellis has 42 tackles in 2007, including team highs of 10.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. He also has 6 pass deflections and a forced fumble. He currently is tied for 16th nationally in sacks (0.8). He also is among 17 quarterfinalists for the 2007 Lott Trophy. The three-year starter was an All-American first teamer in 2006 when he won the Pac-10's Morris Trophy.

Joining Ellis as Bednarik Award semifinalists are LSU linebacker Ali Highsmith, Miami defensive end Calais Campbell, Virginia Tech lienbacker Xavier Adibi, Ohio State linebacker James Laurinatis, Penn State linebcker Dan Connor, Illinois lineback J Leman, Michigan linebacker Shawn Crable, Colorado linebacker Jordan Dizon, Virginia defensive end Chris Long, LSU defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey, South Florida defensive lineman George Selvie, UCLA defensive lineman Bruce Davis, Arizona defensive back Antoine Cason and Kentucky linebacker Wesley Woodyard.