TOLEDO, Ohio - University of Toledo junior defensive lineman Desjuan Johnson was named to the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award today. The award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive player. Johnson is one of 90 players in the country to be named to the list, and one of only five from the Mid-American Conference.

Johnson had 27 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in six games in 2020, earning second-team All-MAC honors. In 2019, he had 32 tackles and 7.0 TFLs. He was named preseason first-team All-MAC by Athlon and Phil Steele magazines.

The Chuck Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995 and is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, a former standout at the University of Pennsylvania and with the Philadelphia Eagles. Bednarik is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame's Class of '69 and the NFL Hall of Fame's Class of '67.

The 2021 season begins with a home game vs. Norfolk State on Sept. 4, followed by a road trip to Notre Dame on Sept. 11. Season tickets can be purchased at UTRockets.com/FBtix, by calling the Rocket Ticket Office at 419-530-GOLD (4653) or by visiting the Rocket Athletic Ticket Office at Savage Arena during office hours.