CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)– The list of pre-season accolades for UVA defensive back Jonas Sanker continues to grow.

Yesterday, it was announced that the Charlottesville native was added to the 2024 watchlist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best NCAA defensive player of the year. Sanker is also on the watchlists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award as the 2024 season approaches.

Sanker will compete against 19 other defenders throughout the year, including two Virginia Tech players: defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles. Last season, Sanker was elected first-team All-ACC, leading the Cavalier defense with 103 tackles and three forced fumbles.