Penn State football defensive end Abdul Carter was named a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award Tuesday. The award is given annually to the nation’s defensive player.

Carter, a junior, was joined by Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Colorado’s Travis Hunter.

Penn State has had four players win the award in the past, the most by any school. Carter will hope to join LaVar Arrington, Dan Connor, and Paul Posluszny, who won it twice.

After switching from linebacker to defensive end prior to this year, Carter has 48 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and a career-high eight sacks. Carter has three games with two sacks and has eclipsed the five-tackle mark five times this year.

The award’s winner will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards show at 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, on ESPN.

The Nittany Lions will return to Beaver Stadium for their last regular season game of the year at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, against Maryland.