Tennessee standout defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam was one of five players added to the Chuck Bednarik Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Wednesday.

The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.

Gilliam is in the midst of a breakout junior season in which he has spearheaded a UT defense that ranks among the nation's best in multiple categories, including an FBS-leading 35 sacks.

Through eight games this year, the Midseason First Team All-American leads the Vols, ranks third in the SEC and is tied for seventh in the country with 11.5 tackles for loss. He also ranks fifth in the conference and tied for 13th nationally with six sacks.

Gilliam's 87.9 overall defensive grade from PFF is the seventh best among all interior defensive linemen in the FBS while his 28 total pressures lead the SEC and are tied four fourth nationally among interior defensive linemen.

Gilliam joins teammates Amare Campbell and Ty Redmond, who were both named to the Bednarik Award Watch List prior to the start of the season.

Source: Yahoo Sports