Freshman Corner Derek Stingley Named Semifinalist for Bednarik Award

LSU freshman cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. continues his stellar start to his career as a Tiger by being one of 20 defensive players in college football named as a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award.

The Bednarik Award goes to the most outstanding defensive player in college football and includes past LSU winners Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson. Stingley was the only freshman selected as a semifinalist for the 2019 season.

Stingley has been the lockdown corner many expected the five-star recruit out of Dunham High School to be. In eight appearances, the freshman has 22 tackles, four interceptions and 13 pass defended which is tops in the SEC and ranks seventh nationally.

Stingley's latest pick came as time wound down in the first half of the Auburn game, preventing LSU from surrendering points right before the half and keeping it a 10-10 ballgame going into the break. LSU would go on to win that game 23-20.

In addition, Stingley has averaged nearly 10 yards per punt return in his lone season with the Tigers.