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NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma linebacker Rufus Alexander has been named to the preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually by the Maxwell Football Club to the nation's top defensive player.  Alexander led the Sooners in tackles last season when he was a consensus All-Big 12 pick.

On Wednesday it was announced that OU's Adrian Peterson and Rhett Bomar are on the preseason list for the Maxwell Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top overall player.

Alexander, a 6-1, 231-pound senior from Baton Rouge, La., was the Sooners' top tackler last season with 102, including 17 for loss.  He had a career-high five sacks to go with nine pass break-ups, two fumbles forced, one interception and one fumble caused.

Earlier, Alexander was named to the Lott Trophy list.  That award also cites the top defensive player in the country.  It is likely that Alexander will also be on the watch list for the Butkus Award, which goes to the top linebacker.

Oklahoma won its only other Bednarik Award in 2003 when linebacker Teddy Lehman received the honor.

Twelve semi-finalists for the Bednarik award will be announced in October and the field will be trimmed to three finalists in November. The winners will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show that will be broadcast on ESPN in December. The formal presentation of the Bednarik Award will take place at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Banquet in March 2007.