PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football DL Aaron Lewis claimed a spot on the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday. The award is presented annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football.

Lewis emerged on the defensive line with 55 tackles with eight for loss in 2022. He posted a career high with 11 tackles, two in the backfield, and a forced fumble in the road win over Temple, adding sacks versus Nebraska and Penn State. The performance earned him Third Team All-Big Ten in the coaches' vote.

The Williamstown, New Jersey, native graded as the No. 5 edge defender in the Big Ten and No. 20 at the position nationally by Pro Football Focus last season. He collected Co-MVP – Defense at the team banquet, recording five games with at least five stops.

Lewis previously picked up status as a preseason First Team All-Big Ten selection by PFF and to the Shrine Bowl 1000. He joins TE Johnny Langan (Mackey Award) and LB Tyreem Powell (Butkus Award) as Scarlet Knights on preseason watch lists.

Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced in November.

Rutgers opens the season Sunday, Sept. 3 at SHI Stadium against Northwestern (noon, CBS), the first time beginning with a Big Ten opponent at home since joining the conference. The Back to the Birthplace Game is presented by Provident Bank. That is part of three consecutive home games to start the year and seven overall in 2023. Season and individual game tickets are on sale.

Follow Rutgers football on Twitter (@RFootball & @RutgersFBfans), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.