Cashius Howell has been named as one of three finalists for the Chuck Bednarik award, presented annually to the nation's most outstanding defensive player. This goes along with his nomination for the Bronko Nagurski award, presented annually to the nation's best defensive player by the Football Writer's Association of America.
This is a deserved honor for Howell, of course— he's been the best edge rusher in the country for the best part of the year, evidenced by the fact that he was the only defensive lineman nominated for either award. While this has everything to do with what he as a player has done, it also speaks mightily to what Mike Elko has accomplished during his time in College Station.
Mike Elko's culture on full display as Cashius Howell racks up yet another honor
The transfer edge rusher from Bowling Green was largely overlooked beforehand in favor of guys like Nic Scourton (who did well for the Aggies last year, of course) and others. This year, however, because of the development that Mike Elko has put on display in this Aggie program, he's reaching his full potential in his senior year.
We're talking about maybe the leading defensive mind in the sport who is also showing that the program that he runs is one that will develop players into the best versions of themselves. He's not only putting Cashius in a position to succeed with his defensive wizardry, he's doing it through the culture that's been built over his two years in College Station.
This would not have happened under other coaches, in other words. A player like Howell may well have come to Texas A&M under previous regimes, but the breakout that he's had would not have been close to what we're seeing take place out there for the maroon and white this season.
Howell will have stiff competition to win this award, going up against Ohio State S Caleb Downs and Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez. If he can close out strong against Texas in this final game, putting an exclamation point on the year, then it will go a long way in his candidacy for these awards.